I help make continuous improvement a natural part of how a business works. From the shop floor to strategic management.
years of industrial experience
countries of professional experience
Expert & Kaizen Manager
Black Belt
I'm Josef Križan. For over twenty years, I have worked in industry, combining analytical thinking, people leadership and hands-on change management.
My background spans controlling, production system coordination and technical services management. Today, I develop Operational Excellence in the international environment of FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes.
I believe in clear direction, understandable standards and accountability close to where value is created. A sound solution must make sense of both numbers and people.
Observing value flow, using data and identifying root causes help determine where to start. Solutions are then tested in real operations.
Connecting business strategy with daily management. Developing a production system, shared priorities and clear performance management.
I start with shared direction and priorities. Together with the team, I translate them into concrete goals, responsibilities and daily management. Regular reviews should lead to decisions and action.
Finding root causes, eliminating waste and stabilising processes. Applying Lean and Six Sigma to the actual needs of operations.
First, I observe the actual workflow and establish the baseline. Then, with the team, I identify causes of losses, test solutions and assess their impact.
Engaging teams and building problem-solving skills. Creating an environment where people have the room and responsibility to improve their work.
I make room for questions and the team's own ideas. I build change on understanding, clear accountability and the ability to solve problems independently.
I develop and implement a Lean Production System connecting strategy, daily management and people development. I build on practices that work and bring them into a shared framework for manufacturing and support processes.
The aim is clear management, stable processes and improvement embedded in everyday work. Every area has a clear purpose, responsibilities and a connection to customer needs.
Respect and collaboration. Strategy translated into team goals. Safety, quality, cost, delivery and people.
Production driven by real customer demand. Standardised work, line balancing and shorter changeovers create the conditions for safe, repeatable performance.
A shared framework must respect the starting point of each team and plant. I therefore base implementation on gradual steps, leadership involvement and practical validation.
Gemba, team discussions, process data and a review of existing standards.
Principles, pillars, roles, indicators and alignment with business priorities.
Testing in a selected work area, practical training and adjustments based on feedback.
Gradual rollout, sharing experience, audits and regular reviews of impact.
Experience across different functions helps me understand the connections between finance, technology and daily operations.
FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes
From KAIZEN Manager to Corporate Operational Excellence Director. Developing and implementing a Lean Production System and a culture of improvement across plants.
FRÄNKISCHE CZ
Leading technical services, maintenance and facilities. In parallel, developing Kaizen and process improvement.
Automotive Lighting
Coordinating WCM and leading the Focused Improvement pillar.
MANN+HUMMEL
From controlling to Six Sigma Black Belt and leading the continuous improvement department.
Bosch Diesel
Long-term testing of Common Rail systems.
Understand the actual work. Talk to people and observe the process where it happens.
Base decisions on data and facts. Distinguish symptoms from the real problem.
Develop solutions with people. Test small steps in practice.
Assess the benefits, assign responsibilities and continue improving.
Performance development starts with people. Alongside my management experience, I use a coaching approach that helps people find their own answers and take responsibility for their next steps.
“Effective Work with People” training, FBE, 2025.
Programme accredited by EMCC Global – EQA, Practitioner Level.
I work in a non-directive, systemic and solution-focused way. Through questions, I support new perspectives, clear goals and a feasible next step.
Leadership style, delegation, challenging conversations and team autonomy.
Finding your footing in a new role, making decisions and navigating situations that call for change.
Clarifying what matters, setting priorities and taking concrete steps towards personal or professional goals.
Online training for leaders, improvement specialists and teams seeking to understand the whole production system. Videos and PDF presentations cover the foundations, six pillars and strategic management.
A free text preview is available now. Paid content and pricing are in preparation. The course interface and text previews are available in Czech and English.
Explore the course ↗On LinkedIn, I share perspectives on Lean, leadership and everyday improvement. Explore selected posts, from company culture to practical methods on the shop floor.
Lasting improvement depends on leaders’ behaviour, trust and people involvement. Introducing methods alone does not change everyday habits.
Read on LinkedInReducing changeover time starts with observation and measurement. Separating activities and clear standards help unlock capacity and flexibility.
Read on LinkedInVisual management helps identify deviations and determine the next step. Its value grows when connected with Gemba and root cause problem solving.
Read on LinkedInHow can strategic priorities connect with team goals? Alongside the X-Matrix, dialogue, shared planning and regular learning are essential.
Read on LinkedInReflections from the AI-Ready conference. AI creates value when grounded in process understanding and helps people overcome concrete obstacles at work.
Read on LinkedInAn organised workplace simplifies work and makes deviations visible. Sustaining its benefits requires clear rules, responsibilities and everyday habits.
Read on LinkedInSelected content · Brief summaries · Original posts in Czech
All posts on LinkedIn ↗Want to connect about Operational Excellence,
Lean management, coaching or change leadership? Let's connect on LinkedIn.
