Head of Excellence

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Head of Excellence - Deployment Leader Flow Equipment - Full Time - Winterthur, Switzerland

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
We are looking for a Head of Excellence - Deployment Leader Flow Equipment to join our global team in Switzerland.

In this role, you will lead, shape, and execute the division-wide Excellence strategy, integrating operational and commercial excellence initiatives to deliver measurable business value. As a key member of the Division's leadership team, drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance. As a member of the group excellence team, play a role in shaping the overall approach to Excellence at Sulzer.

Your main tasks and responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership of Excellence

• Define and execute the overarching Excellence strategy, aligning with Sulzer's long-term strategic goals and corporate Excellence themes.
• Collaborate with divisional leaders to identify, prioritize, and resource strategic initiatives that enhance operational and commercial performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all levels of the division.
• Ensure timely and effective delivery of all Excellence initiatives in partnership with business stakeholders.

Operational Excellence

• Lead the division's operational excellence agenda, leveraging Lean, Kaizen, and other proven methodologies to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize processes.
• Identify and address critical process bottlenecks to support scalable growth.
• Partner with manufacturing leaders to implement systems and practices that enhance productivity and quality.
• Promote the adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., automation, AI, IoT) to elevate operational capabilities.
• Build problem-solving capabilities across the division through structured Lean training programs, resulting in tangible process improvements.

Cross-Divisional Collaboration

• Actively engage with Excellence leaders across Sulzer's divisions and global functions to share best practices and harmonize improvement efforts.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to align cultural initiatives, methodologies, and tools across the organization.

Performance Management & KPIs

• Develop and implement a robust framework of performance metrics to evaluate the impact of Excellence initiatives.
• Utilize data-driven insights to monitor progress, identify improvement opportunities, and foster accountability.
• Provide regular updates to the Division's leadership team, offering actionable recommendations based on initiative outcomes and performance trends.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process improvement, project management, or operations management, preferably in a manufacturing, healthcare, or service environment.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or equivalent).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software, MS Office, and project management tools.
• Strong understanding of Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (DMAIC, DFSS, Kaizen, etc.), as well as process improvement concepts.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in change management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with Agile or other process improvement frameworks.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

What we offer you:

• 25 days holiday (exclusive of bank holidays) + service days
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Program/health care
• On-site car parking/public transport allowance
• Access to a wide range of discounts

No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.

Our team is looking forward hearing from you

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.