Operational Excellence Specialist in Exeter
Operational Excellence Specialist

Operational Excellence Specialist in Exeter

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

  • Tasks: Drive sustainable performance improvements and profitability across multiple sites.
  • 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: Collaborate with senior leaders and empower teams for success.
  • Why this job: Shape operational excellence and deliver meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in live production and continuous improvement; strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Department: Operational Excellence

Reports to: Head of Operational Excellence

Location: GB

The Role

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)

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 Exeter 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 Exeter

✨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 and even referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s 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 KPI management.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of an Operational Excellence Specialist. We want to hear about your hands-on experience and how you've driven performance improvements in past roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference.

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

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 mention any relevant qualifications like Six Sigma Certification.

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 skills align with our goals. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles. Whether it's through KPI management or benchmarking, let us see your problem-solving prowess!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe

✨Know Your Operational Excellence

Make sure you understand the principles of Operational Excellence and how they apply to the Pork Live Operation. Brush up on your knowledge of GAP management, KPI frameworks, and the Management Pillar tools. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented continuous improvement initiatives. Highlight your analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities, as these are crucial for the position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Align with Business Objectives

Research the company’s business objectives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can help bridge the gap between operational excellence and business priorities, demonstrating your understanding of both sides.

✨Engage with Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the current challenges the team faces or how success is measured in the role. Engaging with the interviewers shows your interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Operational Excellence Specialist in Exeter
Pilgrims Europe
Location: Exeter

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