Operational Excellence Engineer in Gloucester

Our client is a well-established and growing engineering and manufacturing organisation dedicated to operational excellence, continuous improvement and innovation. With ambitious growth plans and ongoing investment across its operations, the business is focused on creating a more efficient, scalable and resilient manufacturing network. This role offers the opportunity to be at the heart of that transformation.

As an Operational Excellence Engineer, you will lead strategic improvement initiatives, site relocation projects and operational transformation programmes across multiple locations. Working closely with senior leadership and site management teams, you will identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and operational performance through the application of Lean manufacturing principles, effective project management and best practice facility design. This is a highly visible position offering the chance to make a significant impact on the future operational success of the business.

Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic site relocation, consolidation and operational improvement projects.
• Deliver projects safely, on time and within budget, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and customer service.
• Analyse and optimise manufacturing, warehouse and operational layouts to improve workflow, material flow and space utilisation.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies to drive measurable performance improvements.
• Establish and maintain effective project governance, including planning, budgeting, risk management and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with operational leaders, contractors, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of operational change and drive engagement with new processes and ways of working.
• Develop and embed best-practice project delivery and continuous improvement frameworks across the business.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety, regulatory and company standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and long-term operational capability.
• Stay informed on industry trends, technologies and best practices to support innovation and business growth.

Qualifications / Education:

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering operational improvement, manufacturing transformation or site relocation projects.
• Strong background within a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Excellent project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence, engage and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and results-driven approach.

Desirable:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen or Continuous Improvement qualification.
• Project Management certification such as PRINCE2, APM or PMP.
• Experience of facility layout design, manufacturing optimisation and operational transformation programmes.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000
• Performance-related bonus
• Company car
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Company laptop and mobile phone provided
• Company pension scheme (5% employee contribution, 3% employer contribution)
• Life Assurance Scheme (3x annual salary death-in-service benefit)
• Opportunity to lead high-impact strategic projects across multiple sites
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Exposure to senior leadership and business-critical decision-making
• Long-term career progression within a growing organisation
• Supportive and collaborative working environment