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- Tasks: Drive performance improvements and profitability across multiple sites in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on operational excellence in the food production industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Empowerment to implement best practices in a complex, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape operational excellence and deliver meaningful results while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in live production and continuous improvement; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Operational Excellence Specialist to work in partnership with the Head of Operational Excellence, directing and managing the Operational Excellence Management method to drive sustainable performance improvements and profitability across our sites. This is a hands-on, influential role with ownership for delivering Operational Excellence across the Pork Live Operation, working closely with Business Unit Directors, Site Leadership Teams and functional partners.
Key Responsibilities & Measures of Success
- GAP Management
- Build site goals using the GAP tracker and KPI frameworks
- Open, manage and close Technical and Theoretical GAPs
- Operational Excellence Direction & Alignment
- Align Op Ex strategy with BU Directors and Site Leadership Teams
- Ensure alignment between business objectives and Op Ex priorities
- Management Pillar Implementation
- Lead the implementation and long-term sustainability of the Management Pillar across sites
- Coach, audit and ensure correct use of Management Pillar tools to deliver tangible improvements
- KPI & Performance Management
- Maintain a live, consolidated view of Op Ex KPIs, goals and gap closure activity
- Track progress and drive accountability across BU's and sites
- Labour Tool Ownership
- Support implementation, maintenance and optimisation of the Labour Tool
- Support monthly planning using simulators, identify new labour-reduction opportunities and drive performance improvements
- Benchmarking & Best Practice
- Lead internal and external benchmarking activities
- Identify, compare and implement best practices across processes and sites
- Project & Change Support
- Support requirements gathering, prioritisation and Fit/Gap analysis
- Partner with Procurement and Legal to support RFX processes
- Agree project costs and benefits and manage assigned project budgets and delivery against plan
Skills & Knowledge
- Essential / Highly Desirable
- Experience in Live Production (Pork Live Production highly desirable)
- Experience within a Feed Mill environment
- Proven experience in Continuous Improvement
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- Demonstrated experience embedding new processes and ways of working through coaching, influence and empowerment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong presence, credibility and personal gravitas with energy, stamina and passion for delivery
Qualifications
- Degree level qualification (desirable)
- Six Sigma Certification (desirable)
- Lean Manufacturing experience
- Background within an FMCG environment (desirable)
This role offers the opportunity to make a real, measurable impact on operational performance, working across multiple sites with senior leaders and operational teams. You will be empowered to shape Operational Excellence, drive best practice and deliver meaningful business results in a complex and dynamic environment.
Operational Excellence Specialist in Cardiff employer: Pilgrims Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Specialist in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working in operational excellence. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operational strategies. Show us you understand their goals and how you can help achieve them. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new openings. Sometimes the best opportunities are posted directly, and being proactive shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Specialist in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Excellence Specialist role. Highlight your experience in Live Production and Continuous Improvement, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about Operational Excellence and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your analytical skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include quantifiable achievements. Whether it's improving KPIs or implementing new processes, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Operational Excellence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the principles of Operational Excellence, especially in the context of live production and continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, and how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Think of examples where you've used data to drive decisions or improvements. Having a few metrics or KPIs handy can really help illustrate your impact.
✨Be Ready to Coach and Influence
Since this role involves coaching and influencing others, come prepared with stories that highlight your experience in these areas. Think about times when you've successfully embedded new processes or ways of working and how you managed to get buy-in from your team.
✨Align with Their Goals
Understand the company's objectives and how they align with the Operational Excellence strategy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, particularly around performance improvements and profitability across sites.