Director, JCI Business Systems & Lean Training

Johnson Controls•Glendale, CA

About The Position

The Director, JCI Business Systems & Lean Training will lead Johnson Controls’ global lean training initiatives, ensuring practical, results-driven learning that accelerates our lean transformation journey. This role is not about theory. It’s about creating practitioners who deliver measurable impact. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with lean tools, credibility on the shop floor, and a passion for building world-class talent through immersive, action-oriented programs. How you will do it: Lean Training Leadership: Build a hands-on training program for Lean, 80/20, and AI applications, incorporating experiential learning, classroom sessions, benchmarking, shadowing, and kaizen experiences. Design, coordinate, and manage global lean training programs aligned with JCI’s operational excellence strategy. Develop and execute Japan-based training programs, including arranging Shin Kaizens and CEO Kaizens. Create and manage processes for global kaizen events, including sustainment metrics and progress tracking. Practical Application & Gemba Engagement: Create learning centers at gemba to instill Lean and 80/20 concepts using diverse modalities that ignite curiosity and drive results orientation. Balance time between gemba (shop floor) and program management to ensure real-world application of lean principles. Build case studies showcasing successful transformations to inspire continuous improvement. Best Practices & Innovation: Design and implement internal and external benchmarking trips to close performance gaps, leveraging resources such as Japan tours, China factory visits, guest speakers, and podcasts. Cultivate relationships with Shingijutsu and coordinate events to advance lean expertise. Showcase AI-driven applications that scale the impact of our Business System and enhance learning. Maintain access to industry best practices and integrate them into JCI’s lean journey. Develop pragmatic, high-energy approaches that foster a “Learn-Do-Learn-Do” culture. Talent Development: Organize an annual Engineering and Operations summit to share 80/20 and Lean best practices and demonstrate AI integration. Develop JCI University/Academy as a peerless platform for continuous learning and innovation. Act as an evangelist for lean, creating unmatched talent through hands-on learning, not certifications. Build capability across all levels of the organization to sustain lean improvements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
8+ years of experience in lean implementation and training leadership.
Proven track record of delivering measurable results through lean transformations.
Strong knowledge of lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, etc.).
Ability to engage at all levels, from shop floor to executive leadership, with credibility and influence.
High energy, pragmatic mindset, and passion for developing people.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Johnson Controls’ global lean training initiatives
Build a hands-on training program for Lean, 80/20, and AI applications, incorporating experiential learning, classroom sessions, benchmarking, shadowing, and kaizen experiences.
Design, coordinate, and manage global lean training programs aligned with JCI’s operational excellence strategy.
Develop and execute Japan-based training programs, including arranging Shin Kaizens and CEO Kaizens.
Create and manage processes for global kaizen events, including sustainment metrics and progress tracking.
Create learning centers at gemba to instill Lean and 80/20 concepts using diverse modalities that ignite curiosity and drive results orientation.
Balance time between gemba (shop floor) and program management to ensure real-world application of lean principles.
Build case studies showcasing successful transformations to inspire continuous improvement.
Design and implement internal and external benchmarking trips to close performance gaps, leveraging resources such as Japan tours, China factory visits, guest speakers, and podcasts.
Cultivate relationships with Shingijutsu and coordinate events to advance lean expertise.
Showcase AI-driven applications that scale the impact of our Business System and enhance learning.
Maintain access to industry best practices and integrate them into JCI’s lean journey.
Develop pragmatic, high-energy approaches that foster a “Learn-Do-Learn-Do” culture.
Organize an annual Engineering and Operations summit to share 80/20 and Lean best practices and demonstrate AI integration.
Develop JCI University/Academy as a peerless platform for continuous learning and innovation.
Act as an evangelist for lean, creating unmatched talent through hands-on learning, not certifications.
Build capability across all levels of the organization to sustain lean improvements.