Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead in Kettering

Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead in Kettering

Kettering Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ball Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage Manufacturing Excellence Managers to drive operational excellence across EMEA plants.
  • Company: Join a global leader in manufacturing with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by improving manufacturing processes and driving efficiency.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in Lean methodologies and strong project management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

This role is responsible for leading and managing Plant-based Manufacturing Excellence Managers across the EMEA region to deploy and sustain a lean-based Manufacturing Excellence model. The position focuses on driving standardization, operational excellence, and measurable value creation across manufacturing sites while supporting regional and site leadership in achieving cost, quality, and service objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support Manufacturing Excellence Managers in deploying a standardized Lean-Based Management System across EMEA plants.
  • Define and execute deployment strategies, planning, training, coaching, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Facilitate change management and ensure effective adoption and long‑term sustainment of Lean thinking.
  • Identify, clarify, and remove barriers to operational excellence within manufacturing plants and regional production groups.
  • Lead multiple strategic and operational improvement projects from identification and analysis through implementation and sustainable execution.
  • Deliver measurable manufacturing cost savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Drive the continuous evolution of the Manufacturing Excellence Model to improve competitiveness in cost, quality, and service.
  • Partner with leadership to define, scope, launch, and deliver initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Make complex decisions and recommendations with limited direction, using sound judgment and initiative.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the regional manufacturing organization.
  • Proactively manage risk and communicate project progress, results, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and benchmarking within the region and across Continuous Improvement networks.

Experience & Skills Required

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience deploying Lean methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
  • Proven experience managing and leading others, ideally in a matrix organization.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives end to end.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver results through influence rather than direct authority.
  • Solid working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
  • Understanding of financial statements and manufacturing cost drivers.
  • Experience with coaching, training, and capability development.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging from shop floor to senior leadership.
  • High level of computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Fluency in English.

Ball Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, faith, ability, or orientation.

Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead in Kettering employer: Ball Corporation

At Ball Corporation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the EMEA region. Located in Luton, our team enjoys a supportive environment where lean manufacturing principles are not just implemented but celebrated, ensuring that every employee contributes to meaningful and impactful projects.

Ball Corporation

Contact Details:

Ball Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead in Kettering

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s lean methodologies and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for operational excellence and how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led change or improved processes in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you overcame challenges.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead in Kettering

Lean Methodologies
Project Management
Change Management
Operational Excellence
Lean Six Sigma Tools
Coaching and Training
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Regional Manufacturing Excellence Lead role. Highlight your experience with Lean methodologies and project management, as these are key to what we’re looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about manufacturing excellence and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading others, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a matrix organisation like ours.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ball Corporation

Know Your Lean Methodologies

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean methodologies and Six Sigma tools. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and ability to lead others in deploying these systems.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare examples of projects you've managed from start to finish. Highlight your ability to lead initiatives and deliver results through influence rather than authority. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Communicate Effectively

Practice adapting your communication style for different audiences. You might need to explain complex concepts to shop floor staff or present strategic initiatives to senior leadership. Being versatile in your communication will be key to building strong relationships.

Be Ready for Change Management Questions

Expect questions about how you've facilitated change management in the past. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you ensured long-term sustainment of Lean thinking in your previous roles.