Lean Leadership and The Toyota Production System
Build a Continuous Improvement Culture Inspired by the Toyota Production System
This high-impact, two-day Executive Masterclass equips senior leaders with the tools and mindset to drive sustainable operational excellence through Lean leadership and cultural transformation. Grounded in the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS), the programme focuses on building a continuous improvement culture that enhances quality, flow, and workforce engagement.
Combining expert-led sessions with a full-day immersion inside Toyota’s UK manufacturing plant, participants explore how leadership behaviours, structured problem-solving, visual management, and daily improvement routines are applied in practice to achieve lasting performance gains.
Masterclass Expert: Professor Maneesh Kumar
Dates: 22 - 23 June 2026
Location: Burnaston, Derby, United Kingdom
Group size: Limited to 30 Participants
Access the Lean Leadership Programme
Discover how this Executive Masterclass empowers senior leaders to build a culture of continuous improvement inspired by the Toyota Production System. Complete the form below to access the full programme details and take the first step toward strengthening operational excellence across your organisation.
Meet our Leader
Maneesh Kumar
Professor of Service Operations
Cardiff Business School
Professor Maneesh Kumar is a leading expert in Service Operations at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. His research focuses on integrating Operational Excellence with Industry 4.0 technologies and big data, fostering operational capabilities in small and micro enterprises through cluster formation, sustaining excellence in operations, and developing innovative circular economy business models.
Professor Kumar’s dedication to education has earned him significant recognition, including the prestigious 'Excellence in Teaching, Training, and Development' award at Cardiff University’s Celebrating Excellence Awards in 2018.
Programme Benefits
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles behind Toyota’s globally respected production system. Learn how TPS drives quality, efficiency, and competitiveness through structured processes and continuous improvement.
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See lean theory in action through guided tours of live manufacturing environments. Experience how visual management, standardised work, and kaizen are applied to sustain operational excellence.
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Engage directly with Toyota’s senior leaders to explore how lean thinking is embedded in leadership practices. Discover how strategic decision-making and people development are aligned to support long-term success.
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Explore proven tools such as the Development Obeya and Floor Management Development System. Learn how these frameworks support role clarity, problem-solving, and performance tracking in a lean organisation.
Lead with Toyota’s Operational Excellence and embed a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Transform your leadership approach and organisational strategy with proven TPS principles. This Masterclass empowers executives to architect sustainable change, align teams around a shared vision, and embed continuous improvement into the DNA of your business.
Experience operational excellence at the true source, inside Toyota UK’s world-class factory, guided by the very leaders who shape its legendary culture.
Strategy, systems, and daily improvement for resilient operations
Benchmark with Genba Excellence
Step onto the genba, the real place where value is created, and witness first-hand how Toyota’s teams drive operational excellence. Compare your own processes with Toyota’s world-class standards and identify actionable opportunities for improvement.
Master the Art of Kaizen
Experience kaizen in action, observing how continuous, incremental improvements are embedded into daily routines. Learn how empowering every team member to contribute ideas fuels innovation and sustained competitive advantage.
See Jidoka and Just-in-Time in Practice
Discover how jidoka (automation with a human touch) and Just-in-Time production principles are seamlessly integrated to ensure quality and efficiency. Understand how these pillars of TPS can be adapted to streamline your own operations and eliminate waste.
Engage in Hansei and Hoshin Kanri Dialogue
Participate in reflective hansei (self-assessment) sessions and explore hoshin kanri (strategic policy deployment) with Toyota’s senior team. Gain insights into how disciplined reflection and clear strategic alignment drive long-term success and organisational learning.
Curriculum Overview
Day 1: Lean Leadership Strategic Alignment
Led by Professor Maneesh Kumar, a renowned authority in Lean and operational excellence, Day 1 offers an intensive exploration of Lean philosophy, leadership, and the integration of Lean thinking in the digital era. Executives will delve into the foundational principles of Lean, learning how to cultivate a culture of kaizen (continuous improvement) and respect for people at every level of the organisation. The session will challenge participants to reflect on their own leadership styles and discover how Lean leadership can drive engagement, accountability, and sustainable transformation.
A key focus will be on aligning Lean Six Sigma methodologies with the opportunities and challenges of Industry 4.0. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, you’ll learn to identify critical decoupling points, balance the need for customisation with the discipline of standardisation, and leverage digital technologies such as IoT and real-time analytics for greater agility and scalability. Professor Kumar will guide you through advanced frameworks that connect strategic intent with operational execution, ensuring your Lean initiatives are resilient and adaptable in today’s volatile, complex environments.
Day 2: Toyota Production System - Toyota UK Factory Visit
Join us for an exclusive one-day executive visit to Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, where participants will gain a rare, immersive insight into the world-renowned Toyota Production System (TPS). This programme is designed for senior leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of lean principles and their practical application in a high-performance manufacturing environment. The day begins with a warm welcome and introduction to Toyota’s philosophy, followed by a detailed overview of TPS and its impact on quality, efficiency, and workforce engagement.
Gain valuable insights from Toyota’s senior leadership team through structured discussions and interactive sessions. These engagements offer a deep dive into the principles that underpin Toyota’s lean culture, including how leadership drives operational excellence, fosters continuous improvement, and cultivates a highly engaged workforce. Participants will have the opportunity to explore real-world examples of strategic decision-making and leadership behaviours that sustain Toyota’s global reputation for quality and innovation.
Schedule a Personalised Consultation with a Programme Advisor
Shape the future of your organisation by connecting with a programme advisor from The Future Factory. Designed for executives leading transformation in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Innovation, this personalised session helps you align your development goals with cutting-edge executive education.
During your consultation, you will:
Explore how our Lean Leadership Masterclass equips you with the tools to drive innovation, agility, and resilience in your operations.
Discuss strategies to overcome challenges in digital transformation and create value for your organisation.
Receive tailored advice to align your leadership development with your specific industry and business objectives.
Design Operational Strategies Inspired by the Toyota Production System
Build resilient, high-performing systems by aligning your leadership practices and operational frameworks with TPS principles such as jidoka, Just-in-Time, and kaizen, tailored to your organisation’s unique challenges.