Senior Operational Excellence Engineer

Main Purpose of the Role: The Senior Operational Excellence Engineer is fundamental in driving continuous improvement and optimising operational processes. This role is essential for identifying and eliminating waste, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring alignment with the company's sustainability and safety goals. The facilitator will lead cross-functional teams, utilise Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and employ data analysis tools to achieve measurable improvements. Additionally, the role requires fostering a culture of continuous improvement, coaching employees, and promoting best practices across the organisation. The ultimate goal is to enhance overall operational performance, contribute to environmental and social responsibility objectives, and support the company's strategic vision.

Senior Operational Excellence Engineer Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and support continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies, while collecting and disseminating best practices to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot complex issues using data-driven methods in high-pressure situations.
• Deploy Lean, TPM and Six Sigma tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, RCA) to optimise processes and eliminate waste.
• Lead initiatives targeting waste reduction, efficiency gains, and Just-In-Time (JIT) principles.
• Accountable for documenting, updating, and maintaining factory operating standards, ensuring alignment with best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and implement workplace improvements, translating ideas into successful Operational Excellence (OE) projects.
• Facilitate change management processes and coach teams to drive positive change, embedding continuous improvement.
• Model and support robust performance management systems to enhance accountability.
• Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for operational excellence initiatives.
• Recognise and promote achievements in OE initiatives, inspiring motivation in others.
• Actively seek and implement operational improvements to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
• Analyse data and establish KPIs to inform decision-making, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.
• Adhere to the company's policies, procedures and protocols, to ensure the highest quality standards for all products and services.

Drive results by setting ambitious goals, measuring progress, and continuously improving.

Senior Operational Excellence Engineer Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Educated to degree level in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or relevant subject area.
• Previous experience in operations, process improvement, or continuous improvement roles.
• Hands-on experience in managing and delivering successful operational excellence projects.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and eliminate waste using tools like Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Waste Analysis.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher demonstrating expertise in process improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of Lean and TPM tools such as 5S, SMED, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and standard work deployment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use software tools like Excel, Power BI, or similar data platforms.
• Advanced facilitation and coaching skills to drive change and effectively influence others.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification is desirable.
• Project Management certifications, such as PRINCE2 or PMP, are desirable.