Group Operational Excellence Manager in Bradford

Apply for the Group Operational Excellence Manager role at Princes Group.

About Princes: The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day.

Role Description: Are you an experienced Group Operational Excellence Manager looking for your next opportunity? We have an exciting opportunity to work with the Head of Operational Performance Transformation and help further drive continuous improvement within one of Europe’s fastest growing food and drink businesses. This position is responsible for the whole of the UK & Mauritius. Due to the nature of the role, please note that there will be an element of weekly travel required. Some sites may also be overseas.

Job Purpose: To ensure optimal operational efficiency at lowest cost through the delivery of targets against the strategic objectives of the function: Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People. Work with the Head of Operational Performance Transformation and Factory General Managers to support the delivery of an agreed manufacturing vision and strategy through continuous improvement, ensuring optimum efficiencies, effectiveness and profitability, initiating and implementing change where appropriate to meet business needs and creating a proactive improvement culture.

Benefits:

• Cash Car Allowance
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• Based at the respective site 4 days with 1 day working from home
• 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt‑in / 9.5% employer
• Flexible Holiday Option – Buy 5 Additional Days
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Life Assurance Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities

Principal Accountabilities:

• Have an in‑depth understanding of the Princes Operating System (POS) / Lean Principles, Systems, Tools and behaviours; conduct Lean maturity assessments and support site Must Win battle plans.
• Support and lead lean manufacturing principles, systems, tools and behaviours, including 5S, Asset Excellence, Floor Management System, Standard Working Methods and Practical Problem Solving to drive performance and continuous improvement activities in manufacturing sites.
• In conjunction with the Head of OPT and site General Managers, roll out the consolidated medium‑to‑long‑term implementation timetable for Operational Excellence and be accountable for maintaining and reporting progress against the POS for the sites, aligning with strategic objectives.
• Support the site General Managers in performing a detailed gap analysis across site processes, performance and Operational Plans affecting any aspect of the manufacturing process.
• Support the Head of Operational Performance Transformation and General Managers in developing the technical and behavioural skills needed to enable a culture of continuous sustained improvement.
• Prioritise, coordinate and lead or facilitate teams to implement sustained improvements reducing factory costs and developing leadership teams through successful project delivery.
• Coach and train all site‑based colleagues so they can apply POS concepts and behaviours on an ongoing basis.
• Challenge the status quo, support the Factory General Manager in creating a culture of best practice and continuous improvement that focuses on elimination of waste in all forms; facilitate development of a highly participative and motivated team culture.
• Ensure tasks are performed responsibly with due regard to Safety, Environmental & Quality procedures.
• Contribute to the health & safety of self and others by applying safety principles to required standards whilst undertaking designated activities and tasks.

General Responsibilities:

• Understand and implement POS / lean manufacturing principles, systems, tools and behaviours to drive performance and continuous improvement across group sites.
• Have a detailed understanding of POS and the Site Strategic Must Win Battle Plans.
• Ensure all training for direct reports is documented using the appropriate skills matrix.
• Exercise reasonable skill and care for the health and safety of yourself and others at work.
• Demonstrate behaviours in line with the Company values, improving the Quality, Safety & Environmental culture.
• Support the business in working towards delivering our ethical trading and human rights vision.
• Where engaging with internal or external stakeholders, maximize opportunities to communicate Princes’ ethical trade and human rights approach.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• In‑depth practical experience of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, FMS, Asset Excellence, Standardised Working Methods, Practical Problem Solving, Kata Coaching, Process Confirmation, VSM, SMED, and Kaizen; evidence of improvement projects delivering sustainable financial and behavioural results.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; articulate and engaging with the ability to quickly establish good relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and engage teams to acquire new skills and apply them in operations.
• Negotiating and influencing skills to avoid potential internal tensions.
• Strong leadership, team‑building, coaching and development capabilities.
• Project management skills.

If you are interested in making your mark within a leading manufacturing business then please apply now to be considered.