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- Tasks: Lead Lean manufacturing across multiple sites, driving engagement and sustainable change.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based manufacturer with global connections and a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus potential, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Lean manufacturing and influence at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Lean leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress to a Board-level role within three years.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Greater Birmingham with travel. Board-Sponsored Operational Excellence Leadership Role. OPEX Selection is supporting a UK-based specialist manufacturer in the appointment of a Head of Lean Manufacturing, a newly created senior leadership role with genuine authority, sponsorship and long-term progression. The organisation was acquired by a US industrial group four years ago and now operates as part of a wider international manufacturing network with an established global business system. While this system is well embedded in other regions, its application within the UK remains at an earlier stage. Following the appointment of a new UK Board, there is renewed clarity, energy and commitment to operational excellence. Lean is positioned as a strategic enabler, not a support function, and this role has been created to lead that agenda with credibility and impact.
The Role:
- Reporting to the Operations Director, you will take ownership of Lean manufacturing across six UK manufacturing sites, working closely with Manufacturing Managers to embed principles, behaviours and capability at site level.
- This is a highly visible, people-focused leadership role, combining coaching, influence and hands-on delivery.
- Leading the deployment and embedding of Lean manufacturing principles across multiple sites.
- Partnering with Manufacturing Managers to drive engagement, ownership and sustainable change.
- Establishing and directly coaching a team of dedicated Lean Coordinators across three sites.
- Personally leading high-impact Lean and Six Sigma projects where required, setting the standard for delivery.
- Designing and delivering Green Belt training to build internal capability and succession.
- Acting as the UK Lean lead, aligned to a wider global business system and supported by both UK and US leadership.
The business has previously operated a localised Continuous Improvement structure that was later disbanded. With a new Board in place, this appointment represents a deliberate reset, with clearer sponsorship, stronger alignment and a more mature, sustainable approach.
Requirements:
- This role will suit a senior Lean leader who enjoys influencing through trust, credibility and collaboration rather than authority alone.
- You are likely to bring proven experience embedding Lean within manufacturing environments, ideally across multiple sites.
- Experience working within, or deploying, a structured business or operating system in a manufacturing environment, ideally within an international or group-owned organisation.
- Comfortable aligning local operations to global standards while balancing pragmatism, pace and site-level engagement.
- A coaching-led, people-centric approach with the confidence to challenge constructively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence at all levels.
- Experience developing Lean capability within operational teams.
- The ambition and presence to progress into a future Board-level role.
Why This Opportunity?
- Newly created role with a clear mandate.
- Strong sponsorship from a refreshed UK Board and US parent organisation.
- Opportunity to shape and embed Lean rather than inherit legacy structures.
- Genuine scope to progress to the main Board within a three-year horizon.
Head Of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manufacturing - 23 Jan 2026 in England employer: Opex Selection
Contact Detail:
Opex Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manufacturing - 23 Jan 2026 in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your storytelling skills. We want you to showcase your Lean manufacturing experience and how you've driven change in previous roles. Make it relatable and impactful!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding their values and how they align with your own will help you stand out. We suggest tailoring your approach to show how you can fit into their vision of operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Head of Lean Manufacturing role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manufacturing - 23 Jan 2026 in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Lean Manufacturing. Highlight your experience with Lean principles and any multi-site management you've done. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about Lean manufacturing and how your leadership style aligns with our vision. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing how you’ve driven change and improved processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opex Selection
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on your Lean manufacturing principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in previous roles, especially across multiple sites. This will show that you understand the core of what the company is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since this role is highly people-focused, prepare examples of how you've coached teams in Lean methodologies. Highlight specific instances where your coaching led to measurable improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and engage others effectively.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's recent changes and their vision for operational excellence. Be prepared to discuss how you can align local operations with global standards while maintaining site-level engagement. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company's future direction.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive change. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them using Lean principles. This will help you illustrate your hands-on delivery approach and strategic thinking.
