Purpose – A positive organisational culture has a decisive influence on the success and resilience of an institution. Still, many cultural initiatives have little lasting impact since they are not implemented holistically. Such a holistic cultural change can be supported by the framework of Operational Excellence methods. The aim of our study is therefore to develop a practical and flexible roadmap for cultural change that uses Operational Excellence methods to achieve sustainable cultural change. Design/methodology/approach – The study used an action research approach and was conducted over a period of 18 months in a manufacturing company. The data was obtained by carrying out several successive Action Research cycles and a quantitative performance measurement. Findings –First, key areas of action were identified throughout the organisation. Clear organisational values were then defined, providing a target image and development direction. Tangible artefacts and continuous monitoring of operational implementation were derived for each organisational value. Finally, continuous improvement routines and team development workshops triggered by the monitoring processes were identified as key components at team level. Practical implications –We show that Lean methods can be successfully used to implement cultural change in organisations. The flexibility of our model allows the focus of the cultural change not to be limited to the core ideas of Lean, but to be oriented towards the respective needs of the organisation. Our model sussccessfully involves all levels of organisational members, allowing the development of a sense of self-efficacy and options for action and facilitates communication on cultural issues. Originality/value – Our roadmap provides an effective framework for cultural growth in interdisciplinary teams and complex organisations and therefore holds great potential for both industrial companies and higher education institutions. In particular, organisations that already apply Operational Excellence methods can use our roadmap to initiate a cultural change in an effective and resource-saving way.