At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive transformation and improve performance across multiple sites with a focus on operational excellence.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, a leader in engineering micro- and nano-scale structures.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth into future leadership roles in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping better ways of working and delivering measurable business results.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in change management and operational excellence required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, GB, BS35 4GG
Job Function: Operations
Business Unit: Plasma Technology
Overview
Are you a driven transformation professional with a passion for improving performance, shaping better ways of working and delivering measurable business impact? We are looking for an Operational Excellence Transformation Manager to join our Operational Excellence (OpEx) programme on an initial 6-month contract, with the possibility of extension. As part of our ongoing OI30 strategy, this role will support one of our five key strategic priorities: improving productivity by 30% across the group. Sponsored by the company CEO, the programme focuses on site-by-site business transformation using a proven methodology, lean principles and close collaboration with senior leaders across the business. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone with a strong track record of delivery, operational improvement and stakeholder engagement. You will work across multiple sites and functions, helping teams understand their current state, define future-state opportunities and embed sustainable improvements.
What you’ll be doing
- Conducting analysis of demand, inventory and production performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Carrying out process confirmations to validate analysis, assumptions and operational performance.
- Communicating weekly with senior site leadership to review findings, align assumptions and maintain momentum.
- Interviewing colleagues across functions to build a clear, shared view of the business’s current state.
- Presenting insights, recommendations and programme phasing to executive-level project sponsors.
- Facilitating workshops and meetings with key site sponsors to define the future state and embed lean principles where appropriate.
- Articulating the impact of operational performance and processes on key business metrics, including revenue, capacity and inventory.
- Defining future-state horizons by business process or function and aligning senior site sponsors to the required direction of travel.
- Role-modelling best practice and coaching site process owners to build capability and confidence.
- Defining Tactical Implementation Plans to deliver impactful foundations and transformational change.
- Delivering agreed actions with strong senior site sponsorship.
- Developing others to embed skills, capability and continuous improvement thinking across the organisation.
- Designing future-state operational layouts informed by lean principles and optimal product flow.
About you
We are looking for someone who can combine analytical thinking with practical delivery and strong stakeholder engagement. You will be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment, influencing senior leaders and translating complex operational challenges into clear, actionable plans.
Experience and qualifications
- Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, or equivalent practical experience in the field.
- Proven experience delivering change, transformation, operational excellence or continuous improvement activity.
- Potential to grow into a future leadership role.
Professional skills and abilities
- Confident using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Ability to analyse datasets and synthesise insights from workshops, interviews and process observations.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to create and articulate impactful messages.
- Ability to lead work scopes and design processes with cross‑disciplinary teams in a fast‑paced environment.
- Commercial awareness of operational costs, reliability, safety and wider business performance.
About Us
Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology develops world‑leading tools for engineering micro- and nano‑scale structures. Our technologies enable innovation across industries, helping customers push the boundaries of science and technology.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave + half‑day Fridays
- Share incentive plan
- Flexible benefits tailored to your needs
- A collaborative environment with excellent work‑life balance
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.
Operational Excellence Manager (OpEx) - Contract employer: Oxford Instruments
Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative environment that prioritises work-life balance and employee well-being. With a strong focus on professional growth, the company provides opportunities for career advancement and skill development, particularly in the dynamic field of operational excellence. Located in Bristol, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere while contributing to innovative technologies that push the boundaries of science and engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Manager (OpEx) - Contract
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Oxford Instruments. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Oxford Instruments.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Oxford Instruments.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager (OpEx) - Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Oxford Instruments and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Oxford Instruments will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Oxford Instruments.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Oxford Instruments.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Oxford Instruments. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
