Continuous Improvement Lead

Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor operating in more than 40 markets. We partner with some of the biggest brands in the business to power better mobility today and in the future.

Our diverse global team of over 20,000 talented people foster an inclusive and collaborative culture, championing a brilliant experience for our customers and partners. We’re a dynamic and fast-growing business, dedicated to shaping a successful and sustainable future for the industry.

Here, you will unlock your full potential with career opportunities and learning experiences. You’ll work with cutting-edge technology, ground-breaking innovation, and forward-thinking colleagues. If you are highly driven with a can-do attitude, and you bring out the best in yourself and others, then join us to power new futures.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Continuous Improvement Lead is accountable for driving process optimization and implementing strategic improvements across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of finance processes, strong analytical skills, and expertise in continuous improvement methodologies.

Working with the Finance Transformation Programme Lead, GBS Leadership and wider team, Global Process Owners and Project Managers as part of the wider Global Finance Transformation team, the Continuous Improvement Lead will lead improvement projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensure that process enhancements are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.

They are responsible for ensuring that process improvement opportunities are documented, and that initiatives / projects are supported and delivered with associated efficiencies.

JOB ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The scope of the role will continue to broaden, but key areas of responsibility are as follows:

People

• Set an example with high levels of personal integrity, always ‘doing the right thing’ 
• Lead, develop, coach the team through change. 
• Establish training plans and programs to ensure the sustainability of continuous improvement.

Partnership

• Ensure delivery of Continuous Improvement Initiatives, Projects and Global Transformation Initiatives within the Service Partnership Framework.
• Define mechanisms to measure the efficiencies achieved through the delivery of initiatives.
• Manage a wide range of internal /external stakeholders. 

Operational

• Analyse existing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement. 
• Improve processes through the identification and implementation of improvement opportunities. 
• Ensure compliance with CI initiatives through the Continuous Improvement Governance Model. 
• Ensure compliance with (group, regional and market) policies, legal, statutory, regulatory and fiscal requirements of each country to mitigate financial risks. 
• Manage project resourcing levels appropriate to meet the strategic needs of the business. 
• Actively seek to deliver a better level of service for a lower cost through continuous improvement. 

Other

• Coordinate and participate in internal and external audits. 
• The CI LEAD will take the lead on any cross functional initiatives, working with appropriate contact points in the Business, RTR, OTC, PTP and Service Partnership, ensuring the end-to-end process and expected results are considered. 
• Own and drive multiple, often parallel, improvement projects across multiple complex and evolving business models ensuring timely and successful delivery. 
• Ability to lead projects that streamline finance processes, reduce errors and improve accuracy.
• Experience in using data to drive decision-making and demonstrate the impact of improvement initiatives. 
• Have a strong understanding of the end-to-end process areas, the interdependencies with the wider team, and be able to influence and guide stakeholders across functional boundaries (who may have potentially conflicting viewpoints) to optimise the end-to-end solution to a common business aligned viewpoint. 
• Present (when required) complex, detailed process related content summarised to the appropriate level relevant to senior stakeholders in the organisation. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a continuous improvement or process optimization role, preferably within a multinational or large-scale organization, with a least 5 years specifically focused on finance operations within a shared services environment.
• Professional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies (e.g. Green Belt, Black Belt) are highly desirable.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing improvement projects.
• Strong collaboration and partnership mindset, ability to work in a matrix organisation. Cultural awareness/understanding; agile in adapting approach to optimise working relationships.
• Experience of complex, fragmented finance systems landscapes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse and cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Operations Management or a related field. Advanced degree would be an advantage.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.