At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing operations and drive efficiency.
- Company: Join Cubis Systems, a global leader in innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, healthcare options, and generous holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing improvements and knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Cubis Systems is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of network access products for the infrastructure, utility and construction markets. Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Cubis is part of the €27 billion CRH Group and operates from multiple sites across the UK and Ireland, exporting to over 30 countries worldwide. Our market-leading brands, Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform, supply smart, safe, and sustainable product solutions to a range of construction sectors.
At Infrastructure Products Europe, we’re innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators with a shared mission: creating manufacturing solutions that simplify complex infrastructure challenges. We deliver innovative, sustainable products to clients around the world. Our culture puts people at the centre of everything we do. Your ideas will be valued, your development supported, and your contributions will genuinely make a difference.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Company pension contribution
- A range of healthcare options
- Competitive holidays, including Christmas shutdown
- Employee Committees for Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity
- Engagement & Wellbeing initiatives
- Employee referral programme
- Enhanced Family friendly policies
- Career development opportunities across IPE and the wider CRH Group
Role Overview:
The Operational Excellence Lead is responsible for establishing, developing, and sustaining a structured continuous improvement system across Cubis Systems and NAL. The role identifies operational waste through data driven triggers such as variance reports, scrap analysis, customer claims, and the eight wastes, and converts these insights into improvement projects. It strengthens the systems used to deliver OPEX projects, track savings, and standardise training in core CI methodologies including root cause analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools.
This role is central to embedding a culture of operational discipline, efficiency, and continuous improvement in line with the wider business strategy. The role will also be heavily connected with the ‘Capex and Process Engineering Manager’; where wastes are identified that cannot be resolved via Opex project delivery the opportunities must be fed into the capex pipeline so that the wastes do not remain hidden in the business.
What our new Operational Excellence Lead will be doing:
- Design, implement, and maintain a structured CI framework focused on manufacturing operations.
- Develop methods to improve CI by issuing annual guidance from key departments in terms of Quality strategies, HR bottlenecks, Commercial forecasting, VOC and site feedback.
- Build standard methods for identifying waste using triggers such as variance reports, scrap hotspots, customer complaints, downtime data, OOE/OEE and any other KPI’s that can highlight waste in the business.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of improvement opportunities aligned to business priorities.
- Establish visual management and performance dashboards to support daily/weekly operational reviews.
- Integrate closely with the process/manufacturing engineers to analyse operational data to identify trends, recurring losses, and systemic issues.
- Develop standardised training materials & run training workshops for CI tools, project delivery, and problem-solving methods.
- Partner with production, engineering, and quality teams to validate root causes and define corrective actions.
- Enhance and maintain the systems used to deliver OPEX projects, ensuring consistency, traceability, and governance.
- Track project progress, savings, and non-financial benefits using standardised templates and digital tools.
- Create training sessions for engineering and site managers to filter into their departments.
- Facilitate cross-site sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
- Support the site management to develop levels of standard work, SOPs, and visual controls.
- Report improvement results to leadership, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Maintain accurate records of savings, cost avoidance, and operational impact.
The experience our new Operational Excellence Lead will have includes:
- Proven experience in manufacturing & engineering improvements in a multi jurisdiction manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of compression and injection moulding processes.
- Knowledge of how process engineering ERP data can govern operations.
- Track record of leading engineering projects (Opex / CI).
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
- Proven record of having structure and organisation to analyse and control process engineering data.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Knowledge of ERP systems.
- Leadership and project management skills, with the ability to engage with cross-functional teams.
How To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their applications to recruitment@cubis-systems.com by Friday 31st August 2026.
Cubis Systems is an equal opportunity employer, which values differences in our people. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we provide equality through our career development opportunities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, nationality, age, and disability.
Operational Excellence Lead employer: CRH
CRH is an excellent employer that values its employees by providing a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits, ensuring a rewarding work experience. The collaborative work culture in Birmingham fosters professional growth and development, allowing team members to thrive in their roles while contributing to impactful projects in the international accounting landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Lead
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like CRH, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to CRH specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRH
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CRH, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like CRH value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
