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 holidays, healthcare options, and a supportive work environment.
- 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 55000 - 65000 £ 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. Through innovation, we enable construction partners to optimise efficiency and safety through pioneering products designed for simplicity, speed, and reliability.
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. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse and ambitious team that champions creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
- Company pension contribution
- A range of healthcare options
- Competitive holidays, including Christmas shutdown
- Employee Committees for Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity
- 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and maintain a structured CI framework focused on manufacturing operations.
- Develop methods to improve CI by issuing annual guidance from key departments.
- Build standard methods for identifying waste using various triggers.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of improvement opportunities aligned to business priorities.
- Establish visual management and performance dashboards to support operational reviews.
- Integrate closely with process/manufacturing engineers to analyse operational data.
- Develop standardised training materials & run training workshops for CI tools.
- Partner with production, engineering, and quality teams to validate root causes.
- Enhance and maintain the systems used to deliver OPEX projects.
- Track project progress, savings, and non-financial benefits.
- Create training sessions for engineering and site managers.
- Facilitate cross-site sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
- Support 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.
Experience Required:
- Proven experience in manufacturing & engineering improvements.
- 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.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Knowledge of ERP systems.
- Leadership and project management skills.
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: Cubis Systems
Cubis Systems is an excellent employer located in Stoke-on-Trent, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive career development opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about engineering. Join a diverse team dedicated to excellence and make a meaningful impact in the infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Lead
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Operational Excellence Lead role you’re after at Cubis Systems.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Cubis Systems a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Cubis Systems.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Operational Excellence Lead at Cubis Systems, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Operational Excellence Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Cubis Systems a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Cubis Systems specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cubis Systems
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Cubis Systems, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Cubis Systems want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
