KAVE HOME is a global home furnishings and decor design brand that is dedicated to inspiring unique, design-conscious people like us.

Furniture and decoration industry is the third biggest retail industry worldwide. The potential is huge, and we aim high. We are a group of 950+ international, talented, and driven professionals on a mission to fully transform the design-to-customer experience, via great value for money and sustainable designs on top of a best-in-class omnichannel buying journey.

To keep up with our fast growth, we are looking for extraordinary people to help us meet these extraordinary challenges.

The Director, Lean & Operational Excellence, is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for spearheading the organization's enterprise-wide Lean transformation journey.

This leader will define and execute strategic initiatives to embed a culture of continuous improvement, optimize end-to-end value streams, eliminate waste, and drive significant gains in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. This role demands a visionary leader who can integrate traditional Lean methodologies with cutting-edge digital transformation and automation strategies, ensuring sustainable operational excellence and competitive advantage across all business functions.

You will lead the Lean Process Hub, a cross-functional team composed of two core areas: Lean Process Excellence and Business Process Automation (BPA).

You’ll drive operational excellence by applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies while leading the digital transformation of workflows. This high-impact role combines strategic vision and hands-on leadership across process improvement and automation.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Roadmap Development:

• Define, develop, and drive the comprehensive Lean & Operational Excellence roadmap, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and C-Suite strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with senior executives and cross-functional leaders globally to identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities across all departments.
• Act as a strategic advisor to leadership, translating operational insights into compelling business cases that demonstrate measurable return on investment.

Process Optimization & Methodological Expertise:

• Lead detailed process analyses, including advanced Value Stream Mapping (VSM), to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste across complex operational processes.
• Design, develop, and implement scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices, ensuring consistent application of Lean principles throughout the organization.
• Facilitate and lead high-impact Kaizen events and structured Lean Six Sigma projects (DMAIC), driving significant improvements in quality, cost, and delivery.
• Ensure all Lean activities adhere to stringent safety and quality standards.

Digital Transformation & Automation Integration:

• Champion the strategic integration of new technologies, automation tools, and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and future-proof business processes.
• Oversee the design and implementation of automated workflows to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and minimize errors, leveraging process automation tools, scripting, and internal workflow engines.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering and IT teams to optimize backend system integrations, strategically reducing ongoing reliance on technical resources for operational tasks.
• Explore and recommend smart factory solutions, digital twins, and AI-driven predictive maintenance strategies to enhance production efficiency and resilience.

Cultural Transformation & Change Management:

• Cultivate and champion a robust culture of continuous improvement, fostering a mindset of problem-solving, accountability, and excellence at all organizational levels.
• Lead comprehensive change management initiatives to ensure seamless adoption of new tools, processes, and workflows, minimizing disruption and maximizing employee engagement.
• Mentor, coach, and develop individuals and teams on Lean principles, problem-solving techniques, and performance management, empowering them to drive their own improvements.
• Build, develop, and retain high-performing teams dedicated to operational excellence, attracting top talent and fostering a collaborative environment.

Performance Measurement & Reporting:

• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the progress and measure the tangible impact of Lean initiatives.
• Utilize advanced data analytics tools to investigate trends, identify root causes, and forecast operational needs.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on Lean Management initiatives and achievements to senior leadership and key stakeholders, highlighting financial impacts and operational gains.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Operations, or a closely related field is required.
• Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Management, or Operational Excellence roles, with deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing concepts (TPS).
• At least 5 years of proven experience in a senior leadership role, managing and leading cross-functional teams and large-scale transformation programs.1
• Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable results and significant business value through Lean initiatives.