Operational Excellence Specialist in Cheltenham
Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Excellence Specialist in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Empowerment to influence change in a complex and dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Shape operational excellence and drive best practices with senior leaders and teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in live production or 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

  • 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)

Why Join Us?

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 Cheltenham employer: Pilgrims Europe

As an Operational Excellence Specialist, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative work culture. With a focus on sustainable performance improvements, you will have the opportunity to influence key operational strategies while working closely with senior leaders across multiple sites in the UK. The company offers a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a tangible impact on the business's success.
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Contact Detail:

Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Specialist in Cheltenham

✨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 and problem-solving.

✨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 for joining our team.

✨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 another chance to reiterate how you can drive operational excellence!

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Specialist in Cheltenham

GAP Management
KPI Management
Technical and Theoretical GAP Management
Management Pillar Implementation
Coaching Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Continuous Improvement
Communication Skills
Project Management
Change Management
Benchmarking
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma Certification
Experience in Live Production

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Excellence Specialist. Highlight your experience in Live Production and Continuous Improvement, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some relevant achievements that show how you’ve driven performance improvements in the past.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about Operational Excellence and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your experience with GAP management and KPI frameworks, and show us how you can make a difference.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions and improvements. Whether it’s through benchmarking or performance management, we want to see your problem-solving prowess in action!

Apply Through Our Website: We love it when candidates apply directly through our website! It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience. So, don’t hesitate – hit that apply button and let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe

✨Know Your Operational Excellence

Make sure you understand the principles of Operational Excellence, especially in the context of the pork live production industry. Brush up on your knowledge of GAP management and KPI frameworks, as these will likely come up during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used your analytical and problem-solving skills to drive continuous improvement. Be ready to explain how you’ve implemented new processes and the tangible results that followed.

✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Ability

Since this role involves coaching and influencing others, think of instances where you've successfully guided teams or individuals through change. Highlight your communication skills and how you empower others to adopt new ways of working.

✨Align with Their Vision

Research the company’s operational goals and values. During the interview, express how your personal objectives align with their mission. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

Operational Excellence Specialist in Cheltenham
Pilgrims Europe
Location: Cheltenham

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