Continuous Improvement Manager, New build

Wärtsilä is a world leader in marine technology and leading the industry's transformation towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. With the world's widest portfolio and service network, we - Wärtsilians - deliver efficient, safe and sustainable integrated products and solutions to enhance the business of our customers. The opportunities presented through digitalisation and new technologies are offering a new era of shipping. Did you know that shipping is the world's most efficient mode of transportation and that approximately 80% of world trade is carried by sea?



We want to change the course towards an interconnected and cleaner maritime future and are constantly on the lookout for future-oriented talent to join our team and to work towards enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services - together. Are you ready to jump onboard?

We are now looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager for our New Build Value Stream to join our Shaft Line Solutions (SLS) team. 

The role is offered as a permanent contract and it can be based in any major SLS or Wärtsilä location. 

What will you be doing?

In this exciting new role in SLS, you will be the continuous improvement manager for our new built value stream. You will be responsible of the value stream, working with cross-functional teams to ensure that we have an efficient end-to-end flow in our processes that serves the customers' needs. Additionally, you will be one of the cornerstones of CI in SLS, setting up CI practices in our business unit, being a training facilitator, and CI coach.

Your responsibilities for the role include, but are not limited to: 

• Drive continuous improvement of the value stream 
• Lead the CI work within the new build value stream, using our Wärtsilä CI framework 
• Perform detailed value stream mapping and analysis
• Launch initiatives within and across manufacturing sites and global functions to eliminate waste, increase customer satisfaction, or optimize operations
• Identify and prioritize process or related tool and application development needs and translating these to action plans
• Execute changes and maintain new processes
• Manage the value stream together with our MT members through KPI's and regular dialogues with key stakeholders
• Lead initiatives, both within SLS and with other business units 
• Play a vital role in strategy execution activities 
• Be part of the core CI team of SLS
• Co-own the CI framework and way-of-working in SLS
• Act as a facilitator in events and trainings
• Coach the organisation on CI 

The below will enable you to succeed in this role:

• Experience of the Wärtsilä continuous improvement framework, or other frameworks such as lean, Six Sigma etc. 
• Understanding of the SLS operating model or/and the marine market is seen as an advantage
• High level of cultural awareness and experience in leading initiatives in a multinational environment
• Knowledge within the area of stakeholder management, change communication and risk mitigation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Exceptional conceptual, analytical and critical thinking skills
• You are an independent person who takes responsibility of your own tasks but also enjoy a team-focused environment 
• Act as a role model for continuous improvement 
• Willingness to travel on occasion 
• You identify yourself with and contribute to SLS' strong safety culture
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Why you and us? 

We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other's growth and co-creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative. 

We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don't always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition? 

We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future. 

Contact & next steps 

We hope to hear from you soon, by submitting your application through our careers portal. We aim to keep you updated on the process throughout. 

For further questions please reach out to Kock Jessica, GM Growth & Development through [email protected] with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to). 

Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy!

Last application date: 07/01/2025 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

All new Wärtsilä employees in Finland will attend occupational health check, including the drug test/screening. The legislation of the country followed when person is located outside of Finland.

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 17,800 professionals, in more than 280 locations in 79 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.