Continuous Improvement Director

Are you ready to architect the future of Advanced Manufacturing?

At the Materials Group (MG), we are not just optimizing operations, we are redefining them. We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Director, Continuous Improvement and Industry 4.0  to lead our central Enterprise Lean System (ELS) function.

This is a high-impact, regional executive role designed for an operational architect who can bridge the gap between world-class, foundational Lean Six Sigma methodologies and cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, Predictive Analytics, and Cognitive Automation). Based in our Rodange facility, you will hold the keys to regional standardization, capability building, and digital supply chain transformation across Europe.

The Challenge & The Vision

As the Director of Central ELS, you will play two pivotal roles: the Guardian of Standards and the Pioneer of Innovation.

You will lead a high-performing central team to drive continuous improvement, establishing a high-margin production environment. Concurrently, you will orchestrate the transition from manual Lean frameworks to an AI-driven "Lighthouse Factory" footprint, leveraging predictive models, virtual environments, and connected systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Guardian of Operational & Supply Chain Standards

• Act as the regional "Center as Guardian," serving as the sole architect of operational standards in the Regional Playbook.
• Govern all core manufacturing work standards (5S, Standard Work Audits, Daily Tier Meetings, Kaizen, SMED, TPM, and OEE Tracking/Loss Analysis).
• Establish robust supply chain standards, covering Production Planning Logic, Inventory Buffer Protocols, Freight Spend Governance, and S&OP Integration.
• Govern and standardize Data Science & AI models across the region.

2. Capability Builder & Training Academy Leader

• Standardize regional workforce mindsets and skillsets through a centralized regional training engine.
• Maintain the end-to-end certification pathway for Yellow, Green, and Black Belt mastery, alongside modern Digital Literacy pathways.
• Design functionally deep training curricula and scale execution through "Train-the-Trainer" initiatives with local site leaders.

3. Orchestrator of Strategy Deployment 

• Lead the Yearly Strategic Deployment process ensuring 100% functional alignment between Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and IT.
• Utilize the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and key performance metrics to establish regional breakthrough targets.
• Facilitate the collaborative "Catchball" process to negotiate and lock departmental action plans.
• Manage the monthly governance framework for PDCA reviews at executive and functional levels.

4. Pioneer of ELS 4.0 & Digital Twin Innovation

• Drive the shift to automated, AI-driven operations, implementing predictive models that empower local sites to preempt issues.
• Lead shopfloor IoT integration, ensuring machines feed real-time performance data directly into core IT systems.
• Deploy a Regional Control Tower live-dashboard to visualize the entire end-to-end supply chain.
• Deploy advanced solutions for AI-Driven Predictive Quality, Maintenance, Cognitive Automation, and dynamic 3D Digital Twin simulations.

5. Champion of the Hub & Spoke Model

• Serve as the central regional filter and amplifier for operational innovation.
• Capture best-in-class local site innovations directly from the Gemba, codifying validated successes into the "Gold Standard" regional playbook for network-wide deployment.

6. High-Performing Team Leader

• Cultivate an inspiring team culture rooted in high performance, psychological safety, and radical accountability.
• Mentor and coach a dedicated central team, providing clear career development pathways and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Who You Are

• The Expert: You possess extensive experience leading Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement functions on a regional or global scale.
• The Digital Native: You have a proven track record of implementing Industry 4.0 solutions (IoT, Predictive Maintenance, AI, or Digital Twins) within a manufacturing environment.
• The Architect: You excel at designing, documenting, and scaling operational systems and standards from scratch.
• The Communicator: You are an expert at navigating Hoshin Kanri / Strategic Deployment, bringing diverse stakeholders (from the shopfloor to the C-suite) along on the transformation journey.
• The People Developer: You love building capability, leading academies, and mentoring future operational leaders.
   
• Location: We welcome candidates residing near any of our major manufacturing hubs in Luxembourg, France, the UK, Germany, or Belgium.

Why join Avery Dennison:
We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. As a science and innovation company, we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and courage, where you can grow your career with a company that has innovation in its DNA. Founded on creating real-world impact to enable a better future, we strive to provide an open, collaborative culture where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected. Hear from our employees about what it's like working at Avery Dennison. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.At Avery Dennison, we work with the biggest brands in the FMCG, apparel, automotive, and pharma industries. Our Rodange Site Avery Dennison Luxembourg Sàrl location, founded in 1989, is a collaborative and dynamic environment that supports our Label and Packaging Materials Group division and employs approximately 540 talented individuals. Key functions at this site include Operations, Customer Service, central teams and various support functions, offering diverse career paths and opportunities for growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact us to request an accommodation at Requestaccomodation@eu.averydennison.com. In the EMEA region, we foster an inclusive culture through active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Elevate, Unite, and our Mental Health group. Please visit our DE&I page to learn more about our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach.

Pay Transparency Statement:
The salary range for this position is 116340 - 186144 EUR / year.

The hiring base salary range above represents what Avery Dennison reasonably expects to pay for this position as of the date of this posting. Actual salaries will vary within the range, and in some circumstances may be above or below the range, based on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant skills, experience, education and training, and location, as well as the job scope and complexity, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel required for the position, which may change depending on the candidate pool. Avery Dennison reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.