VES Leader - Operations

VES Leader - Operations

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead lean operations and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Linx Printing Technologies, a global leader in coding and marking solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Be part of a certified Great Place to Work with a commitment to inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape operational excellence and collaborate with leaders to drive meaningful change.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on experience in lean practices and strong collaboration skills required.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Imagine yourself growing your expertise and expanding your skillset with every project. Thriving in a supportive team environment that inspires you to strive for excellence. Joining a company with a proven track record of success and an exciting future. It’s possible with a role at Linx Printing Technologies (www.linxglobal.com). Linx, a Veralto company, is a leading global provider of coding and marking solutions for date and batch coding of products and packaging across manufacturing industries.

As part of the Linx team and the broader Veralto network, you’ll work with products that make an everyday impact on the food, medicine, and essentials we all rely on, and you’ll have the opportunity to make your mark while building your career within Linx and the wider Veralto network.

We're seeking a VES Leader – Operations to drive lean operational excellence across Linx's manufacturing and operations functions in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. VES, the Veralto Enterprise System, is Veralto’s lean operating system, used to build capability, improve performance and sustain continuous improvement.

In this role, you'll partner with the Manufacturing Director and Production Managers to strengthen lean capability across operations, align improvement activity with key business priorities and foster a hands-on, shop-floor culture of continuous improvement. This is a highly visible opportunity, with significant senior leader exposure, to make a direct and lasting impact on how a globally recognised coding and marking business operates.

Linx is a dynamic, entrepreneurial company with all key business functions under one roof, enabling fast cross-functional engagement and the ability to drive change with pace and impact. You'll work closely with leaders across operations, engineering, supply chain and quality to turn business priorities into practical, measurable improvements on the shop floor.

Success in this role means operations teams confidently applying lean fundamentals, including Problem Solving, visual management, Standard Work, transactional process improvement and 5S, with visible improvements in productivity, daily performance, kaizen sustainment and team ownership within 12–18 months.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the daily implementation of lean and continuous improvement practices across Linx operations, partnering with manufacturing leaders to focus on the critical few priorities that close performance gaps and strengthen operational performance.
  • Develop practical improvement roadmaps that connect current-state performance to business priorities, with structured action plans that close gaps and sustain improvement over time.
  • Drive targeted, sustainable improvement in key operational measures, including productivity, daily performance, kaizen sustainment and team ownership.
  • Coach structured Problem Solving against key performance misses, helping teams identify root causes, select the right lean tools and own countermeasures with clear action plans and metrics.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, including charter creation, pre-work, execution and sustainment, while maintaining a high-quality improvement funnel across operations.
  • Build continuous improvement capability across operations by coaching and training teams and associates at all levels, using a Gemba-based, hands-on approach that builds ownership.
  • Support the broader improvement plan by assessing current state across departments, building awareness and engagement, and mentoring associates progressing through Veralto’s continuous improvement certification pathway.
  • Collaborate with continuous improvement and operations leaders across Linx, Veralto and other operating companies to share best practices, build credibility with senior leaders, translate operational data into clear business priorities and influence decisions without direct authority.

What We're Looking For

  • Hands-on lean or continuous improvement expertise in a manufacturing environment, with practical experience using tools such as Problem Solving, visual management, Standard Work, transactional process improvement and 5S.
  • Proven ability to identify performance gaps, connect improvement activity to business priorities, define root causes and execute sustainable countermeasures.
  • Experience coaching and training manufacturing teams through a Gemba-based, hands-on approach, building continuous improvement capability and ownership.
  • Ability to use operational data to identify trends, prioritise opportunities and influence decisions.
  • Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust across functions, senior leaders and peers in a matrixed environment.
  • Able to work from St Ives, Cambridgeshire on a regular basis, with willingness to travel internationally on an infrequent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Formal Lean or Six Sigma qualification, such as Lean Practitioner, Green Belt or equivalent; progression through Veralto’s continuous improvement certification pathway is strongly valued.
  • Experience operating within a global manufacturing or industrial organisation with exposure to an enterprise continuous improvement system, such as DBS, HOS or equivalent, including use of Kaizen, value stream mapping, benchmarking or digital lean tools to sustain improvement.

Our Culture

At Linx, our culture is built on ownership, continuous improvement and respect. We value people who are curious, collaborative and motivated to make a meaningful impact, not only through what they deliver, but how they work with others.

As part of Veralto, you’ll join a global organisation that supports learning, development and career growth, while working in an environment where people are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge constructively and help build better ways of working.

A Great Place to Work

Linx is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work. This recognition reflects the culture we continue to build together, one where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.

Inclusion and Belonging

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, and believe they help us make better decisions and build stronger teams.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape operational excellence, build capability and create lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

At Veralto, we value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

VES Leader - Operations employer: Linx Printing

At Linx Printing Technologies, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Our Great Place to Work certification reflects our commitment to a culture where diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being are paramount, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Located in Reading, this role as a Field Service Engineer not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the coding and marking industry but also provides opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognised company dedicated to innovation and excellence.

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Contact Details:

Linx Printing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land VES Leader - Operations

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 Linx Printing, 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 VES Leader - Operations

Lean Operational Excellence
Continuous Improvement
Problem Solving
Visual Management
Standard Work
Transactional Process Improvement
5S

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 Linx Printing 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 Linx Printing

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Linx Printing, 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 Linx Printing 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.