At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Lean manufacturing across multiple sites and drive sustainable change.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based manufacturer with strong international backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus potential, and career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid career advancement to Board-level within three years.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Lean manufacturing with a supportive leadership team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Lean manufacturing and strong coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A UK-based specialist manufacturer is seeking a Head of Lean Manufacturing, a newly created senior leadership role with genuine authority, sponsorship and long-term progression. The organisation operates as part of a wider international manufacturing network with an established global business system.
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 Manuf. * OFFERED * Mar2026 employer: Opex Selection
Join a forward-thinking manufacturer in Greater Birmingham, where the newly established Head of Lean Manufacturing role offers a unique opportunity to lead operational excellence across multiple sites. With strong backing from a refreshed UK Board and a commitment to embedding Lean principles, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This position not only provides competitive compensation and benefits but also paves the way for significant career advancement within an international network, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manuf. * OFFERED * Mar2026
✨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 Opex Selection, 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 Head of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manuf. * OFFERED * Mar2026
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 Opex Selection 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 Opex Selection
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Opex Selection, 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 Opex Selection 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.
