Director Commercial Continuous Improvement

This job will provide you with an opportunity to further your career alongside some of the best and most passionate technology experts from around the world in a leading company within the test, measurement and data analytics industry. You will be a strong contributor collaborating closely with colleagues from various business functions.

At HBK, we live up to our three values: Be True, Own It and Aim High. We believe in absolute integrity – it’s how we win for stakeholders, the environment and each other. We believe in teamwork and keeping our promises – to ourselves and others. Finally, we believe in being bold and positive. This is how we perform at our best and achieve greater success.

The position

We are looking for a Director of Continuous Improvement / Lean to lead Lean transformation in the Virtual and Physical Test Business Unit, supporting HBK’s aim to become lean, digital, and customer focused. This role will embed Lean principles across commercial, service, and R&D teams to promote operational excellence and innovation.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader in a commercial setting with a proven track record of delivering measurable results in cost savings, revenue growth, and process efficiency. This role requires strategic agility, strong facilitation skills, change management capabilities, and the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams in executing change. The role will report directly to the EVP Virtual and Physical Test Business Unit.

Primary responsibilities

Lean Strategy & Deployment

• Lead the deployment of Spectris Business Systems-aligned Lean methodologies including among others Kaizen methodology, A3 Problem Solving, Tiered accountability structures, Leader Standard Work
• Implement lean as a strategic enabler for HBK’s transformation into a digital-first solutions provider with the aim of growing the business significantly and achieve industry-leading margins
• Deploy strategy through Hoshin Kanri methodology and execute a multi-year roadmap aligned with these business targets.
• Optimize the lean principles for commercial, service and R&D teams embedding the Voice of the Customer and improving customer experience and satisfaction

Commercial, Service and R&D Operations Excellence

• Identify and deliver cost reduction and revenue expansion opportunities through Lean initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops, problem solving activities and other improvement activities, partnering with business leaders to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience in leveraging digital tools (e.g. process mining, AI, analytics) to enhance Lean initiatives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track progress and impact.

Change Management & Leadership Engagement

• Partner with Business Unit leaders to embed Lean thinking into daily operations and strategic planning, including leadership standard work and tiered accountabilities.
• Provide coaching and support to functional leaders and teams on Lean tools and techniques.
• Drive change management efforts to ensure successful adoption and sustainability of improvements.

Capability Building

• Develop and deliver training programs to build Lean capabilities across the organization.
• Mentor and develop a network of Lean champions within the business.

Governance & Sustainability

• Establish governance structures to ensure sustainability of Lean Improvements
• Collaborate across HBK’s business segments and functions to scale lean practices across HBK.

Professional qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Lean/Continuous Improvement roles, in a commercial or customer-facing environment.
• Proven track record of delivering quantifiable business results through Lean initiatives.
• Strong facilitation skills with experience leading cross-functional workshops and improvement events.
• Deep understanding of Lean tools and methodologies (e.g., Hoshin Kanri, A3 Thinking, VSM, Kaizen, Standard Work).
• Experience in change management, stakeholder engagement, and coaching leaders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Master Black Belt are highly desirable.

Personal skills

• Commercially Astute & Customer-Focused: Demonstrates a strong business orientation with a customer-centric mindset, consistently driving initiatives that enhance value delivery, customer satisfaction, and long-term retention.
• Analytical & Performance-Driven: Applies a rigorous, data-driven approach to process improvement, leveraging KPIs and commercial analytics to identify inefficiencies, validate solutions, and measure impact.
• Transformational Leadership & Resilience: Leads teams through complex change journeys, effectively managing resistance and fostering engagement. Maintains resilience and strategic focus even during setbacks or periods of slow progress.
• End-to-End Process Thinker: Possesses a deep understanding of how processes interconnect across the commercial value chain, enabling holistic improvements that align with strategic business goals.
• Curious & Continuously Learning: Embodies a growth mindset, actively seeking new insights, methods, and innovations to enhance value creation and drive continuous improvement across commercial functions.