Global Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager - Grid Integration (Valves Global Product Line)

The Opportunity

At Hitachi Energy, we are helping to enable the energy transition through some of the world's most complex and mission-critical HVDC projects. As our Senior Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager for the GI Valves Product Group, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening and scaling our global manufacturing operations.

We are seeking a senior manufacturing leader who understands how world-class factories operate and who can drive improvements in product quality, reliability, manufacturing performance, planning, process discipline, and operational excellence across a global production footprint.

You will lead the quality and continuous improvement agenda for HVDC valve manufacturing across multiple sites in Sweden, Switzerland, China, India, Saudi Arabia and beyond. Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and project teams, you will help build scalable, lean and high-performing production systems capable of delivering safe, reliable and high-quality products to our customers around the world.

If you are passionate about transforming manufacturing operations, creating a culture of continuous improvement, and driving measurable business impact through lean principles and quality excellence, we would love to hear from you.

For this role, a Sweden base (in either Vasteras or Ludvika) is required. Occasional global business travel will be required to fulfil this position.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Lead the Global Quality and Continuous Improvement strategy for the GI Valves Product Group, supporting multiple manufacturing sites worldwide.
• Drive lean manufacturing excellence by implementing and maturing continuous improvement methodologies including Lean, PDCA, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving.
• Partner with factory leadership teams to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance process capability and support manufacturing scale-up.
• Strengthen product quality and reliability through robust production systems, process controls and preventive quality management practices.
• Lead the deployment and maturation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) across the product lifecycle.
• Ensure lessons learned from design, manufacturing, suppliers and field performance are translated into sustainable operational improvements.
• Govern production quality assurance systems, quality plans, process validation activities, risk-based controls and corrective action programs.
• Use operational and quality performance data to identify systemic issues, prioritize improvement initiatives and ensure sustainable results.
• Build capability across global teams through coaching, training, standardization and the sharing of best practices.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement across manufacturing and cross-functional teams.

Your Background

• Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent in Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience leading manufacturing, quality, operational excellence or continuous improvement functions within complex industrial environments across a global footprint.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, product quality, reliability and operational efficiency.
• Strong experience working in multi-site, global manufacturing organizations.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience implementing and leading APQP, process control systems and advanced quality planning frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive change across matrix organizations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across diverse international teams.
• Willingness to travel globally when required.

Preferred Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers within high-reliability manufacturing environments, including:

• Automotive
• Aerospace and Defense
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Industrial Automation
• Power Generation and Energy
• Advanced Manufacturing or Heavy Industry

Experience with the following would be highly advantageous:

• World Class Manufacturing (WCM)
• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Supplier Quality Management
• ISO-based quality systems and industry standards
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Expert or equivalent certifications

More About Us

At Hitachi Energy, we are advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We value innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, and we believe diverse perspectives help us achieve better outcomes for our customers and society.

We offer exciting career opportunities, global exposure, and the chance to make a real impact in one of the fastest-growing areas of the energy industry.

Bring your passion for manufacturing excellence, operational leadership and continuous improvement, and help us shape the future of HVDC technology

Our benefits offering for our roles generally includes:  ​

• Collective agreement, occupational pension & possibility of salary exchange to pension (for ITP1 and ITP2) ​
• Group life insurance and additional insurances. ​
• Flex-time and shortening of working hours in time bank ​
• Hybrid work & allowances for setting up a workplace at home (in agreement with line manager) ​
• Health care and wellness allowance ​
• Health insurance incl. dental, spectacles & contact lenses allowance (employee pay 140 sek/month via salary deduction) ​
• Psychological support program ​
• Supplementary compensation for parental leave ​
• Various trainings and education supporting employee development  ​
• Internal career possibilities both within Sweden and globally ​
• Employee Benefit Portal with thousands of discounts and perks ​

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The benefits listed above are an excerpt only and may vary depending on job grade, location and contract type. Eligibility is subject to local regulations. ​

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to submit your application already today. ​

Recruiting Manager Louis Thompson, louis.thompson@hitachienergy.com  will answer your questions about the position.

Union representatives – Sveriges Ingenjörer:

Nawzad Rashid, +46 (10) 7389148; Ledarna: Frank Hollstedt, +46 107-38 70 43; Unionen: Karin Ulvemark, +46 107-38 51 42 and Ingrid Rinaldo, +46 107-38 58 19. Mikael Hjort +46107382986 and Unionen Fredrik Holmgren +46107382185 

 All other questions can be directed to Talent Acquisition Partner Katie Foster katie.foster@hitachienergy.com