Lean transformation: role of the lean manager

Abstract

Lean leadership is often cited in the practitioner literature as an important factor in successful lean transformation. More and more companies are creating full-time lean manager position and dedicated lean teams. There is a lack of research in the literature on whether the integration of a full-time lean manager into the organisational structure improves the effectiveness of lean, and what are the duties and responsibilities of the lean manager. The research has demonstrated that the effectiveness of lean transformation is significantly higher in organisations with a full-time lean team. A dynamic relationship exists between the roles of the full-time lean manager and the company-wide change management framework. A model job description has been developed for the full-time lean manager position, in the context of the organisational change framework for lean manufacturing implementation. The model would serve as the basis for further empirical research and a recommendation for business leaders on how to design a full-time lean manager position in their company.

Keywords

• lean transformation
• lean manager
• organisational change