Assistant Manager - Quality & Lean UAE Nationals

Overview

To serve as a change agent developing, coordinating, facilitating and leading continuous improvement projects under the umbrella of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma for company sites.

Responsibilities include coaching and mentoring Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies, mentoring project champions and process owners, developing future leaders of Lean Manufacturing, completing productivity projects assigned by higher management and Manager Lean Business Transformation.

Contribute to the enhancement of business efficiencies and effectiveness of the site by developing and implementing world‑class strategies, advising and coordinating with Maintenance, Finance, Operations, Process Control, Laboratory and other service departments and senior management staff on lean manufacturing systems and techniques and a comprehensive range of Industrial Engineering projects.

• Lead and deliver the company’s Lean and Six Sigma strategy to ensure business improvements and significant cost savings across the site.
• Monitor, review and resolve deviations and report on actual performance and expenditure against strategic objectives to ensure objectives are achieved within approved budgets.
• Facilitate identification and recommendation of improvement projects, proposals and Tamayaz projects to support annual objectives.
• Assist departments in preparing annual plans for improvement opportunities such as Kaizen events.
• Coordinate projects within the Lean journey and develop recommendations and action plans through thorough analysis and evaluation of alternatives.
• Track and follow‑up on business transformation performance and projects.
• Drive visibility and awareness of Lean by tracking continuous improvement status, cost savings, training certifications, Lean projects and Tamayaz project status, and communicating achievements.
• Align Lean and Six Sigma guiding principles with departmental strategies and prioritize projects accordingly.
• Act as mentor to area managers and senior Lean quality engineers, enhancing confidence and commitment to sustainable continuous improvement.
• Lead complex high‑visibility Lean projects across operational departments, providing leadership, direction and expertise to managers and employees.
• Manage Lean project portfolios, conduct Kaizen events, lead Black Belt and Green Belt training and provide practical mentoring and coaching through dynamic training delivery.
• Collaborate with process managers to analyze and implement improved cross‑functional systems and processes that ensure smooth product flow throughout the value stream.
• Develop visual management systems to support daily operations and continuously improve cost, quality and delivery performance.
• Support execution of the company’s Lean and Business Transformation strategy to achieve business improvement objectives aligned with overall business strategy and Lean principles.
• Ensure timely completion of all productivity projects identified internally or assigned by senior management while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.
• Partner with employee training and coaching in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Apply PDCA continuous improvement cycle rigorously.
• Maintain accountability for modifying implementations that do not align with Lean principles.
• Make decisions to prevent system failures while remaining within scope of responsibility.
• Work independently while keeping departmental management informed and consulted on key decisions, financial matters, approvals and contract‑related activities.

• Recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with an accredited and internationally recognised professional certification (Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering preferred) or recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Science.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

• At least 6 years of experience in Lean Management, preferably within aluminium smelters, alumina refineries, or heavy manufacturing industries.
• Or accredited experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment of at least 10 years.

• Experience in teaching Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies and mentoring improvement projects.
• Thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing systems.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and drive tasks through to successful completion.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with proven ability to develop and document procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer‑focused skills.
• Excellent time management and priority‑setting skills.