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- Tasks: Lead Lean manufacturing across multiple sites, driving engagement and sustainable change.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based manufacturer with strong international backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus potential, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Lean manufacturing with a supportive leadership team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Lean manufacturing 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
First stage interviews w/c: 09 Feb 2026
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 - 02 Feb 2026 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 - 02 Feb 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at 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! Research the company and its Lean practices. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about leading their Lean initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience with Lean manufacturing and how you can drive change across multiple sites. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders like you to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Lean Manufacturing | Grtr Birmingham | Multi-Site Manufacturing - 02 Feb 2026
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 multi-site management, and don’t forget to showcase any coaching or training you've done. We want to see how you can bring value 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 – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success in embedding Lean practices and driving operational excellence. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opex Selection
✨Know Your Lean Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Lean manufacturing principles and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in previous roles, especially across multiple sites. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about people and influence, so be prepared to talk about your coaching-led approach. Share specific examples of how you've engaged teams and driven sustainable change in a manufacturing environment. Highlight your ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the company's renewed commitment to operational excellence and how Lean fits into that vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this strategic agenda and align local operations with global standards while maintaining site-level engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think of scenarios where you've led high-impact Lean projects or developed internal capabilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
