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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste in manufacturing.
- Company: Join Müller UK & Ireland, a top brand in dairy products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, advanced training, and leadership development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in Operational Excellence and Six Sigma certification required.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Müller UK & Ireland is wholly owned by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller which employs over 31,000 people throughout Europe. In the UK, Müller develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from 1,300 farmers in Britain. Müller is ranked within the top 20 in the Grocer's Top 100 list of Britain's biggest brands and is picked from shelves millions of times each year.
Müller UK & Ireland includes Müller Milk & Ingredients which aims to be Britain's private label dairy leader and produces branded and private label fresh milk, cream, butter and ingredients products. It boasts a network of dairies and depots servicing customers throughout the country. Müller Yogurt & Desserts is the UK's leading yogurt manufacturer which aims to create millions more Müller moments for its consumers. It is responsible for major brands like Müller Corner, Müllerlight, Müller Bliss, Müller Rice, FRijj and Müller Kefir Smoothie and produces chilled desserts under licence from Mondelez International.
We are hiring an experienced Operational Excellence Lead to join our Manchester-based manufacturing site on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a key leadership role focused on driving continuous improvement, embedding a culture of Lean Manufacturing, and delivering measurable performance enhancements.
About The Role
As the Operational Excellence Lead, you will lead site-wide initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance team capability. You'll apply Lean tools, Six Sigma methodologies, and performance management systems to deliver strategic improvements aligned with business goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the deployment of Operational Excellence tools: SMED, 5S, RCA, Autonomous Maintenance, and Standard Work.
- Apply Six Sigma Black Belt techniques to analyse and improve manufacturing processes.
- Drive continuous improvement projects focused on eliminating waste and optimising resources.
- Coach and mentor teams to embed a culture of Operational Excellence.
- Set and deploy OGSM targets across all site functions.
- Collaborate with site leadership to integrate OE into daily operations.
- Support team development through coaching, performance reviews, and training.
- Champion health and safety through proactive site engagement.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, or Continuous Improvement within a production or factory environment.
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification (Master Black Belt desirable).
- Strong analytical, coaching, and facilitation skills.
- Experience in change/project management (DMAIC).
- Ability to influence across all levels and drive cultural transformation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Development Opportunities
- Advanced OE and Lean training.
- Leadership development programmes (Level 5 Fit for Leadership).
- Technical competency workshops.
- Coaching and facilitation training.
Why Join Us?
This is a high-impact role offering visibility across the business and the opportunity to shape the future of site operations. You'll be part of a forward-thinking team committed to excellence, innovation, and growth. Ready to lead change and drive performance? Apply now to become our Operational Excellence Lead in Manchester.
Contact Details: F.A.O. UK Recruitment, Müller UK & Ireland, Shrewsbury Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3SQ
Site Operational Excellence Lead employer: Müller UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Müller UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Operational Excellence Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Müller through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Six Sigma skills! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these methodologies. We want to hear about the impact you made and how you drove continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Müller.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Operational Excellence Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Excellence Lead role. Highlight your experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in continuous improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for operational excellence and how you can contribute to Müller’s goals. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've led that align with our focus on efficiency and waste reduction.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a leadership role, we want to see how you’ve influenced teams and driven cultural transformation in previous positions. Include examples of coaching or mentoring others, and how you’ve embedded a culture of continuous improvement in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Müller UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Lean Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools like SMED, 5S, and RCA. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles and the impact they had on efficiency and waste reduction.
✨Showcase Your Six Sigma Skills
Since a Six Sigma Black Belt is a key requirement, be prepared to share specific examples of projects where you've used DMAIC methodologies. Highlight any measurable improvements you achieved and how you coached others in the process.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Coaching
This role involves mentoring teams, so think of instances where you've successfully led change or developed team capabilities. Share your approach to coaching and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is crucial for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders at various levels in previous roles. Think about strategies you've used to gain buy-in for operational excellence initiatives.
