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- Tasks: Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance.
- Company: A caring company focused on people, products, and the environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and drive operational excellence every day.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in Lean and CI programmes.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference. We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment. Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries. United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.
Are you passionate about Lean and Continuous Improvement? Do you thrive in regulated manufacturing environments? Ready to drive world‑class performance across Personal Care and Medical Device operations? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Join our Operations Team as an Operational Excellence Manager to help shape strategy, build capability and drive sustainable improvement across our combined Personal Care and Medical Device manufacturing environment. This role is based at our Manufacturing site in Folkestone, Kent for 5 days per week.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and deploy the site Operational Excellence strategy aligned to growth, innovation and regulatory requirements.
- Lead Lean, CI and Six Sigma initiatives to improve safety, quality, cost, service and compliance.
- Drive performance management through robust KPIs, tiered reviews and data‑driven decision making.
- Coach and mentor teams in Lean tools, problem solving and risk‑based methodologies.
- Embed OpEx into NPI/NPD, industrialisation, validation and change management processes.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, R&D and Supply Chain.
- Deliver year‑on‑year measurable improvements in efficiency, waste reduction and process capability.
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Significant experience leading Operational Excellence, Lean or CI programmes in manufacturing.
- Background in GMP‑regulated environments; experience across Personal Care, FMCG, Pharma or Medical Devices highly desirable.
- Proven track record delivering Lean frameworks, performance systems and cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt strongly preferred; project management certification beneficial.
You’ll be a strategic, analytical leader with deep Lean and CI expertise and a strong understanding of regulated manufacturing. Confident driving change, coaching teams and influencing stakeholders, you balance operational discipline with continuous improvement. You’re results‑focused, data‑driven, and motivated by building sustainable capability that delivers long‑term business performance. This role works Monday – Friday, 37-hours per week.
In return we offer a competitive package, including 24 days annual leave (pro rata), a pension matched up to 9%, life assurance cover and membership of a health cash plan. Ready to drive operational excellence at scale? Join us and play a critical role in shaping high‑performing, compliant manufacturing operations that deliver excellence every day. Apply now and be part of our Operational Excellence journey.
Operational Excellence Manager in Folkestone employer: Church & Dwight
Contact Detail:
Church & Dwight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Manager in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to Operational Excellence. Think about how your experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement can be showcased. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you're excited about driving operational excellence. Your enthusiasm can be contagious!
✨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 you're serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Lean and Continuous Improvement shine through. We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about making a difference in our manufacturing environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Excellence Manager role. Highlight your experience in regulated environments and any Lean or CI initiatives you've led. We love seeing how your background aligns with our goals!
Be Data-Driven: Since we value data-driven decision-making, include specific examples of how you've used KPIs and metrics to drive improvements in your previous roles. This will show us that you understand the importance of performance management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church & Dwight
✨Know Your Lean and CI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Lean and Continuous Improvement principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these strategies in past roles, especially in regulated environments. This will show that you not only understand the concepts but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching and mentoring teams, think of instances where you've successfully guided others in using Lean tools or problem-solving methodologies. Prepare to share these stories, highlighting the impact your coaching had on team performance and project outcomes.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of KPIs you've developed or managed, and how they led to measurable improvements. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to make informed decisions based on data.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Understand the company's culture and values, as they emphasise collaboration and innovation. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their informal yet ambitious environment. Showing that you're a good cultural fit can set you apart from other candidates.