Director

Role: Lean Leader – Data Centre Infrastructure Business

Location: Mumbai (with travel across India

Company: TCS Data Centre

Role Overview

TCS Data Centre Business is building India’s most advanced AI-ready, green data center infrastructure platform, with a capacity roadmap of up to 1 GW across key metros and growth corridors. As part of this foundational phase, we are seeking an exceptional Lean Leader to architect and drive a world-class Lean Transformation Program across our design, engineering, construction, and operations value chain.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on practitioner of the Toyota Production System (TPS), having led and sustained 100+ Kaizen or continuous improvement events, and will bring the rigor, humility, and practical wisdom that distinguishes true lean mastery. Experience in data center construction, EPC, industrial infrastructure, manufacturing, or adjacent sectors will be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Lean Strategy & Deployment

• Define and implement the Lean Transformation Roadmap for the Data Centre Infrastructure business in alignment with the company’s vision of “AI-ready, Green, and Lean.”
• Translate the principles of TPS Just-in-Time, Jidoka, Standard Work, and Continuous Flow into actionable systems for design, engineering, procurement, and project execution.
• Lead the creation of a Lean Management Operating System (MOS) that ensures daily visibility to performance metrics, waste elimination, and problem-solving at all levels.

Kaizen, Standard Work & Value Stream Optimization

• Lead Kaizen, Gemba, and Value Stream Mapping events across project sites and support functions to identify and eliminate waste, improve flow, and reduce cycle times.
• Establish standardized work processes for design reviews, construction sequencing, logistics, safety, and quality.
• Mentor cross-functional teams to embed lean problem-solving and PDCA culture across the organization.

Performance & Capability Building

• Build a Lean Academy within DCS, training engineers, project managers, and site leaders to become certified Lean Practitioners.
• Define clear KPI frameworks safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale (SQDCM) for all major workstreams.
• Introduce visual management, daily stand-ups, and tiered reviews to drive accountability and transparency.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Culture

• Work closely with leadership teams from Tata Projects, Tata Power, Tata Realty, and TCE to align lean principles across the integrated ecosystem.
• Serve as a lean coach to senior leaders, instilling the mindset of respect for people, waste elimination, and continuous improvement.
• Shape a culture that values simplicity, speed, and scientific thinking hallmarks of the Toyota Production System.

Technology, Sustainability & Future Readiness

• Champion the use of digital lean tools, BIM-based construction workflows, and AI-assisted quality tracking systems.
• Align lean practices with sustainability and carbon reduction goals, ensuring efficient use of materials, water, and energy across the value chain.
• Establish benchmarks and best practices to make TCS a model for lean, green infrastructure delivery in India and globally.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Management, or equivalent.
• 10–20 years of experience in Lean Leadership roles within manufacturing, EPC, data center construction, or industrial infrastructure.
• Proven track record of 100+ Kaizen events, value stream improvements, or major lean deployment programs.
• Formal training or certification in Toyota Production System / Lean Six Sigma Black Belt / Lean Master.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in data center, semiconductor fab, power plant, or advanced manufacturing project environments.
• Deep understanding of Just-in-Time, Heijunka (Levelling), Kanban, and Poka-Yoke systems.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills ability to lead from the Gemba.
• Fluent in problem-solving frameworks (A3 Thinking, 5-Why, Root Cause Analysis).
• Passion for mentoring teams, humility to learn, and persistence to sustain.

Leadership Qualities

• System Thinker: Sees interconnections across design, engineering, and construction.
• Teacher-Coach: Leads by example; develops people before processes.
• Change Catalyst: Challenges the status quo respectfully and persistently.
• Operationally Grounded: Balances metrics with behaviours; practices Gemba leadership.

Success Metrics

• Reduction in design-to-delivery cycle time (target 30–40% reduction).
• Productivity gains and cost reductions through waste elimination.
• Number of trained lean practitioners certified across DCS.
• Cultural adoption of daily problem-solving and visual management.
• Documented case studies and kaizen results across sites.

Why This Role Matters

The Lean Leader will be a strategic thought partner to the CEO, setting the rhythm for how projects are conceived, designed, and delivered. The position offers the rare opportunity to apply lean principles at scale from blueprint to commissioning in one of the most exciting infrastructure programs in the country.