Continental Business System (CBS) Manager

The mission of the position is to plan, coordinate and control all CBS activities in order to establish CBS philosophy and methodology as well as to meet budget and CBS targets (e.g. eliminate waste, maximize delivery performance, reduce cost and inventories). Furthermore, the CBS Manager initiates and implements action plans for continuous improvement of all plant.

General Management and Strategy:

manage and coordinate all CBS activities for the plant 
▪ translate plant CBS strategy into action plans and ensure implementation (shared with Plant Manager)
▪ contribute to strategic and operative planning of the plant/operations unit (e.g. with respect to investments, capacity and headcount planning)
▪ ensure the achievement of CBS targets according to internal and external customer expectations
▪ live and promote the CBS principles and methods
▪ initiate and control investments for CBS equipment (e.g. training materials, external trainings, etc.)
▪ interface to segment, BU or BA functions in order to gather local CBS requirements and demands and other feedback 
▪ participate in and/or steer global or local CBS related and cross-functional projects

CBS Project Management and Leadership:

▪ identify CBS opportunities and improvement potential, derive CBS roadmap together with plant/operations unit management
▪ initiate CBS projects, Rapid Improvement Events (RIE) and Just Do It’s (JDI), structured problem solving, Gemba leadership and other CBS methods to leverage identified potentials
▪ support and ensure the implementation of CBS projects and activities according to plant/operations unit roadmap reflecting current business situation
▪ operate and manage idea management according to standards 

Training and Coaching:

▪ ensure the availability of qualified employees for the CBS function in cooperation with plant HR
▪ initiate and control the continuous qualification of CBS employees in cooperation with plant HR
▪ execute workshops and coaching of plant employees and management in order to introduce and develop CBS philosophy, principles and methods throughout the plant’s/operations unit’s processes (e.g. lean thinking, continuous improvement culture, lean leadership, etc.)

Monitoring and Reporting:

▪ ensure CBS (KPI) monitoring and reporting (e.g. CBS projects, workshops, improvement measures and success, etc.) in cooperation with plant management and controlling
▪ maintain CBS project database (project approvals, project charter, achieved results and overall accuracy of information)
▪ initiate and control measures to improve CBS performance

Standardization:

▪ ensure local implementation of central and BA CBS standards
▪ provide feedback and input for further development of standards regarding CBS processes (e.g. workshop concepts, methods, tools, etc.) to segment, BU or BA functions 

Knowledge fields:

Manufacturing related technologies, systems, infrastructures, standards and processes: advanced

Products, systems and technologies (functionalities and applications) : basic

Experience in implementation of CBS principles, framework and CBS methods and tools : expert

Knowledge and understanding of plant key processes (business and production) : advanced

Quality management (including quality policies, systems and processes) : basic

Local language & culture (intercultural sensitivity) : advanced

Problem solving and decision making tools and techniques : advanced

Lean production/CBS principles, methods and tools (e.g. production management system) : expert

Communication techniques (incl. presentation, change management, negotiation and conflict resolution techniques) : advanced

Leadership & management skills (incl. team-building, delegation, performance management and people development techniques) : advanced

Project management skills, tools and techniques : advanced

Education/Certification:

▪ university degree, preferably in business administration, engineering or related discipline (depending on plant size)

Professional Experience
(Variety of Functions, Variety of Business, General Management Experience):

▪ 5 or more years of professional experience in various CBS/lean functions
▪ cross functional experience e.g. in engineering, quality, purchasing or supply chain preferred

Project and/or Process Experience:

▪ initial experience in automotive production processes

Leadership Experience:

▪ 3 or more years in a leadership position, preferably in operational units with functional and disciplinary responsibility for other individuals 

Intercultural / International Experience:

▪ experience in working with international teams on production topics and understanding of foreign cultures
▪ proficient in minimum 2 languages, English is mandatory

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary.

The Automotive group sector comprises technologies for passive safety, brake, chassis, motion and motion control systems. Innovative solutions for assisted and automated driving, display and operating technologies, as well as audio and camera solutions for the vehicle interior, are also part of the portfolio, as is intelligent information and communication technology for the mobility services of fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Comprehensive activities relating to connectivity technologies, vehicle electronics and high-performance computers round off the range of products and services.