Operational Excellence Lead

Operational Excellence Lead

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformational projects and drive continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Manthorpe Building Products, a leader in operational excellence and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work culture.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on employee engagement and teamwork.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by embedding lean principles and driving cultural change.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and strong project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

At Manthorpe Building Products, we are seeking a driven and transformational Genuit Business System Lead (GBSL) to join our operational leadership team. This role will be known externally as a Lean/CI Lead. This is a high-impact role focused on delivering sustainable continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the Genuit Business System (GBS) and wider business strategy.

The successful candidate will lead transformational projects across the business, embedding lean manufacturing principles, driving operational excellence, and developing a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility. This role is ideal for an experienced Lean/Continuous Improvement professional who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and is passionate about delivering measurable business results.

We’re looking for a high-energy, results-driven leader who can influence at all levels of the organisation and drive real cultural change. You’ll be passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and creating smarter ways of working that exceed expectations for customers, colleagues, and shareholders alike.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and facilitate transformational improvement initiatives including Kaizen events, 5S programmes, A3 problem-solving activities, and Daily Management Systems.
  • Drive productivity improvements, waste reduction, OEE performance, labour efficiency, quality enhancement, and operational excellence.
  • Develop and implement a biannual 2-year GBS roadmap aligned to Foundations, Industry 4.0, and Growth Strategies.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to simplify complex processes and improve operational flow.
  • Ensure continuous improvement initiatives are sustainable through structured follow-up and 90-day reviews.
  • Track and report productivity improvements and targets linked to GBS initiatives over a 12-month period.
  • Lead lean manufacturing projects within injection moulding production environments.
  • Support robust quality control and scrap reduction methodologies using Six Sigma and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Collaborate closely with Operations Leadership and Process Engineering teams to identify and implement process improvements.
  • Facilitate workshops and training sessions to embed lean principles and best practices across all shifts.
  • Promote employee engagement, teamwork, and a strong continuous improvement culture.
  • Conduct audits to ensure lean standards and operational improvements are sustained long-term.
Skills & Experience
  • Proven track record delivering continuous improvement projects with measurable business impact.
  • Strong project management experience within manufacturing environments.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to work effectively through ambiguity and complexity.
  • Experience leading process mapping and information flow improvement activities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with a data-driven mindset.
  • Leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines.
  • Experience working within Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma environments.
  • Injection moulding manufacturing experience.
  • Experience with ERP/MES manufacturing systems.
  • Understanding of tooling, robotics, and automation technologies.
Qualifications

Qualifications above Level 3 in a manufacturing-related discipline would be advantageous. Strong background in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Operational Excellence Lead employer: Manthorpe Building Products

At Manthorpe Building Products, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions continuous improvement and operational excellence. Our commitment to employee development is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, ensuring that our team members thrive in their roles. Located in a fast-paced manufacturing setting, we offer a unique chance to lead transformational projects that not only enhance business performance but also contribute to a culture of innovation and teamwork.

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Contact Details:

Manthorpe Building Products Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Lead

Lean Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement
Kaizen
5S
A3 Problem-Solving
Daily Management Systems
Operational Excellence