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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead site-wide performance improvements and coach teams in Lean and Continuous Improvement.
- Company: Dechra, a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals dedicated to animal health.
- Benefits: 36-hour work week, every other Friday off, healthcare, and global career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while shaping operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in lean manufacturing and excellent coaching skills required.
- Other info: Join a fast-growing company with a commitment to innovation and employee empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Dechra, we are a global specialist in veterinary medicines with one clear purpose: to sustainably improve animal health and welfare worldwide. We are growing fast, we empower our people, and we invest in your future. If you want a role with real impact — one where your expertise shapes how an entire site operates — this is your opportunity.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an Operational Excellence Lead who will play a pivotal role in driving site-wide performance improvements and embedding the One Dechra Production System (ODPS). You will be the go-to expert for Lean, Continuous Improvement, and performance transformation — coaching teams, shaping strategy, and ensuring we deliver on our safety, quality, delivery, sustainability, and cost ambitions.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partner with the Site Director & SLT to define site strategy, goals, and governance.
- Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Kaizen, PPI, Six Sigma and PDCA methodologies.
- Lead lean manufacturing deployment and ensure Standard Work is embedded across the site.
- Coach teams to build capability, strengthen routines, and adopt a CI mindset.
- Establish clear KPIs and reporting frameworks to drive visibility and accountability.
- Deliver engaging technical training — developing internal SMEs and Opex Champions.
- Benchmark performance and share learnings across the global network.
- Collaborate with OEMs to optimise equipment processes and performance.
What You’ll Bring
We are keen to hear from candidates with:
- Strong experience delivering lean manufacturing / operational excellence / continuous improvement in a manufacturing or regulated environment.
- Excellent coaching, communication, and feedback skills.
- Expertise in training needs analysis, competency assessment, and instructional design.
- Knowledge of modern training techniques and tools.
- Experience in GMP, pharmaceuticals, food production, FMCG, automotive, aerospace or similar regulated sectors.
- Possibly lean six sigma trained (but not essential).
What’s in it for you?
A career with Dechra comes with exceptional benefits:
- 36-hour working week (with every other Friday off!)
- 9-day fortnight
- Healthcare & Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced family leave
- Car / Car allowance (discretionary)
- Bonus (discretionary)
- Discounted pet food
- Global career pathways & development
We are a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals, focused exclusively on veterinarians. With operations in 27 countries, high-quality manufacturing, and a strong product portfolio, we are committed to innovation and excellence in everything we do.
Ready to make an impact? If you are passionate about CI, love coaching teams, and want to be part of a business making a positive difference to animal health globally — we would love to hear from you.
Apply via our careers site or connect with us for more information.
Operational Excellence Lead in Skipton employer: Dechra
Contact Detail:
Dechra Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Lead in Skipton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Dechra on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Operational Excellence Lead role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented these in past roles. We want to see your expertise in action, so think of measurable outcomes you’ve achieved!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for animal health! Dechra is all about making a positive impact, so during your conversations, highlight why this mission resonates with you. Share any relevant experiences that connect your values with their purpose.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Dechra team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Lead in Skipton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Excellence Lead. Highlight your experience with Lean, Continuous Improvement, and any relevant methodologies like Six Sigma. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Dechra!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about improving animal health and how your expertise can make a real impact. Keep it engaging and personal — we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance improvements. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success — numbers speak volumes and help us understand your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers site. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Dechra!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dechra
✨Know Your Lean Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in past roles and how they can be leveraged at Dechra to drive operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since this role involves coaching teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored others. Highlight specific instances where your coaching led to measurable improvements in performance or efficiency.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Dechra's commitment to animal health and welfare. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals in improving site-wide performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Review key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting frameworks that you've used in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would establish these at Dechra.