Lean Transformation Expert

About the role

We are looking for a Lean Transformation Expert who can turn operational challenges into measurable business results. As Great Wall Motor continues to strengthen its global manufacturing footprint, we are looking for an experienced Lean professional to take a leading role in transforming our Thailand manufacturing operations. You will act as a strategic Lean expert and transformation leader, working directly with plant leadership to identify major cost and productivity opportunities, lead high-impact improvement projects, establish a sustainable Lean Management System, and develop the next generation of Lean talent. The successful candidate will bring proven experience from leading automotive organizations and have the ability to translate Lean philosophy, tools, and benchmark practices into measurable improvements in cost, productivity, quality, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cost Transformation & Operational Excellence

• Lead the plant-wide Cost Reduction & Operational Excellence agenda.
• Conduct deep analysis of the plant's total cost structure and operational performance.
• Identify high-impact opportunities across labor, productivity, logistics, warehouse, transportation, process efficiency, and other cost drivers.
• Define, prioritize, and lead strategic improvement projects based on business impact.
• Establish project targets, governance, milestones, and performance tracking.
• Work closely with senior management and cross-functional teams to ensure sustainable results.
• Drive improvements that directly contribute to the company's cost leadership strategy.

2. Lean Transformation & System Development

• Establish, implement, and continuously improve the Plant Lean Management System.
• Develop Lean standards, methodologies, governance mechanisms, and performance management systems.
• Integrate Lean principles into daily management and operational decision-making.
• Promote continuous improvement, problem-solving, standardization, and waste elimination.
• Benchmark successful Lean practices from leading automotive plants and adapt them to the Thailand manufacturing environment.
• Drive the transformation from experience-based management to data-driven and system-based management.

3. Strategic Lean Project Leadership

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional Lean transformation projects from diagnosis through implementation and results validation.
• Apply Lean methodologies across the entire product and manufacturing project lifecycle.
• Provide expert guidance to Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering, and other functions.
• Resolve complex operational problems using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure successful improvements are standardized, replicated, and sustained.

4. Lean Capability & Talent Development

• Build a sustainable Lean Capability Development System.
• Design and deliver Lean training programs for managers, engineers, supervisors, and improvement teams.
• Develop internal Lean experts, project leaders, and continuous improvement champions.
• Coach management teams to independently identify and solve operational problems.
• Establish a Lean talent pipeline and succession plan for long-term organizational capability.

5. Global Benchmarking & Knowledge Transfer

• Benchmark Lean systems and best practices from leading automotive OEMs and manufacturing plants.
• Transfer and localize proven methodologies from domestic and overseas operations.
• Establish mechanisms for knowledge sharing and replication of successful improvement projects.
• Support other GWM manufacturing sites when required through strategic projects and expert assignments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or Quality Management
• 15+ years of professional experience in Lean Management, Cost Management, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement
• Strong experience in automotive OEMs or automotive component manufacturing
• Experience in Japanese or Korean automotive companies is highly preferred
• Proven track record of leading large-scale cost reduction and Lean transformation projects
• Experience working in multinational or overseas manufacturing operations is strongly preferred
• Strong practical knowledge and hands-on experience in TPS – Toyota Production System, Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, Time Study / Work Measurement, HPV Management, Productivity Improvement, Cost Deployment, Logistics & Warehouse Optimization, Transportation Optimization, Standard Work, Kaizen, Problem Solving, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence
• Ability to turn Lean methodology into measurable financial and operational results
• Strategic mindset, results-driven focus, hands-on approach, and ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams
• Capable of transferring expertise and building internal capabilities

About us

Work Location: Rayong, Thailand

Primary Base: GWM Thailand Manufacturing Plant

Global Assignment: Provide Lean transformation support to GWM manufacturing plants across other countries, aligned with project and business requirements.

As Great Wall Motor further expands its global manufacturing footprint, we are dedicated to building a Thailand manufacturing facility that delivers outstanding performance, maintains cost competitiveness, and pursues continuous improvement.