Contractor - LEAN

Job description:   Experience required: 35 years   Purpose Job Description: Lean Product Development Consultant – R&D Transformation (KTEC) Role Summary: KTEC seeks an experienced Lean Product Development and R&D Transformation Consultant to lead and implement Lean Transformation within its R&D function. The consultant will drive cultural and operational change, enabling KTEC’s R&D teams to achieve sustained exceptional performance in innovation, quality, delivery, and cost. The role requires deep expertise in Lean principles, a proven track record in R&D/product development environments, and the ability to influence at all organizational levels.     Key Responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end deployment of Lean Product Development (LPD) practices within KTEC’s R&D teams, following the LBT framework (Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle). Assess current R&D systems, processes, and culture to identify gaps and opportunities for Lean transformation. Facilitate the development and deployment of strategies that align operational and strategic objectives, ensuring daily management systems reflect long-term vision. Coach and mentor R&D leaders and teams on Lean philosophy, focusing on the 4Ps (Philosophy, Practices, People & Partners, Problem Solving). Implement Lean tools and practices such as Value Stream Mapping, A3 Thinking, Kaizen, Visual Management, Tier Meetings, Built-in Quality, and 5S, adapting them to the unique needs of product development. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, problem surfacing, and rapid problem-solving at all levels. Enable cross-functional collaboration to break down silos and ensure business effectiveness over mere functional efficiency. Establish and track lead and lag metrics to measure both means and outcomes, ensuring accountability and transparency. Support leadership in developing servant leadership behaviors and embedding Lean mental models across the R&D organization. Ensure knowledge transfer and capability building so that improvements are sustained beyond the consulting engagement.     Required Skills & Experience: Proven experience in leading Lean transformations in R&D or product development environments Deep understanding of Lean principles, especially as applied to innovation and knowledge work. Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change and influence senior leadership. Strong facilitation, coaching, and mentoring skills. Experience with Lean tools relevant to product development (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, A3, Kaizen, Visual Management). Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively across functions and levels. Degree in Engineering, Science, or related field; Lean certification preferred.     Success Metrics: Achievement of or exceeding operational and strategic R&D targets (e.g., innovation rate, quality, delivery, cost, retention, patents). Demonstrated adoption of Lean practices and culture (e.g., regular tier meetings, problem surfacing, Kaizen events). Sustained improvements in lead and lag metrics (e.g., cycle time, defect rates, productivity). Positive feedback from R&D teams and leadership on engagement and capability building.     Example Implementation: Within the first 3 months, conduct a comprehensive current-state assessment of KTEC’s R&D processes and culture. Develop and initiate a Lean transformation roadmap, including training sessions, pilot projects, and leadership workshops. Facilitate regular tier meetings and Kaizen events to address identified bottlenecks and foster continuous improvement. Establish visual management systems and dashboards to track progress and engage all stakeholders.