At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives to enhance performance across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join Johnson Matthey, a leader in sustainable technologies with over 200 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Operational Excellence and Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
This job is with Johnson Matthey, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Location: U.K. - Site based in Royston with regional reach across UK.
At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. You'll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you'll help tackle the world's biggest challenges - cutting emissions, powering modern life and supporting life-saving technologies - by applying, refining and recycling metals that matter for a healthier, more sustainable, circular future.
The role: You will help drive our goals by:
- Partnering with regional operations leaders to identify priorities and improve performance across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Developing and delivering a regional Operational Excellence roadmap aligned to business strategy.
- Leading improvement programmes that enhance safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and cost performance.
- Driving operational maturity through continuous improvement tools, governance and best-practice ways of working.
- Building strong cross-functional partnerships to support operational priorities and transformational change.
- Leading and developing a team of Operational Excellence specialists while embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
Key skills that will help you succeed in this role:
- Proven experience leading Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement or Operations Transformation programmes.
- Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma, with strong knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Demonstrated success delivering measurable operational and financial improvements within complex organisations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior operations leaders.
- Excellent analytical, project management and decision-making capabilities.
- Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop high-performing improvement teams.
Even if you only match some of the skills, we'd love to hear from you to discuss further!
What we offer: We make sure salaries are fair, competitive and aligned to individual roles, experience and responsibilities. We are also supportive of hybrid and flexible working and where applicable, offer life, medical and other benefits that support our employees' financial and physical wellbeing, such as:
- Competitive retirement savings
- Company matched Share Incentive Plan
- Life Assurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness
- Medical plans/health assessments
- Retailer and Wellbeing discounts
- Competitive annual incentive plan
Ready to make a meaningful impact on your career and the environment? Join us and help shape a sustainable future while advancing your career!
At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.
For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact GlobalRecruit@matthey.com. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.
Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks, early application is advised.
Additional advert note: This role is site-based with regional responsibility across multiple U.K. manufacturing locations and requires up to 50% travel. To submit your application, please click the "Apply" button online. All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice: Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to the notice. Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Regional Operational Excellence Lead employer: Johnson Matthey
At Johnson Matthey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that includes free lunches, discretionary bonuses, and health plans. Our inclusive work culture fosters employee growth and development, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the transition to net-zero while working alongside a diverse team in Royston and Enfield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional 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!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
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 Johnson Matthey, 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 Regional 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 Johnson Matthey 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 Johnson Matthey
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Johnson Matthey, 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 Johnson Matthey 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.
