Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence Manager

Full-Time 47500 £ / year No working from home possible
Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and optimise manufacturing performance.
  • Company: Established manufacturing business with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Autonomy to implement change, career development opportunities, and exposure to senior leadership.
  • Other info: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to operational excellence.
  • Why this job: Shape operational performance and drive impactful improvements in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing; strong analytical and coaching skills.

Are you passionate about driving operational performance, reducing waste and creating a culture of continuous improvement? Our client is a well-established manufacturing business with ambitious plans for growth and operational excellence. They are seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to lead site-wide improvement initiatives, optimise manufacturing performance and embed a culture of sustainable continuous improvement across the operation.

Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, quality and production teams, you will act as the catalyst for operational change, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, increase efficiency and reduce costs whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

The Opportunity

This is a highly visible role where you'll have genuine influence over site performance. You'll be responsible for driving improvements across manufacturing processes, equipment effectiveness, labour utilisation and material yields, whilst coaching teams to adopt Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. The successful candidate will combine strong analytical skills with the ability to engage people at every level of the business, ensuring improvement initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable results.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead site-wide continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes.
  • Identify and eliminate sources of manufacturing waste, material loss and inefficiency.
  • Drive improvements in production yields, asset utilisation and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Conduct process mapping, bottleneck analysis and value stream mapping exercises to identify opportunities for optimisation.
  • Work closely with Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and enhance operational performance.
  • Develop and implement Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) frameworks and performance measurement systems.
  • Build and maintain a pipeline of cost-saving initiatives that deliver measurable business benefits.
  • Review workflows, processes and factory layouts to improve efficiency and productivity.
  • Champion Lean Manufacturing techniques including 5S, Kaizen, Visual Management and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Train, coach and mentor operational teams, building capability and ownership for continuous improvement activities.
  • Develop standard operating procedures and best-practice working methods.
  • Encourage employee engagement in improvement initiatives and help create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday operations.

About You

We're looking for a hands-on improvement professional who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will ideally have:

  • Previous experience within a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean Manufacturing position.
  • A proven track record of delivering measurable improvements within a manufacturing environment.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt qualification (Black Belt advantageous).
  • Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.
  • Experience of OEE implementation, value stream mapping and root cause analysis.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • A highly analytical and data-driven approach to decision making.
  • The ability to engage, coach and inspire teams at all levels.
  • Resilience, drive and a passion for delivering world-class operational standards.

What's in it for You?

Opportunity to shape and influence operational performance across a growing manufacturing business. High-profile role with significant exposure to senior leadership. Genuine autonomy to implement change and deliver measurable results. Long-term career development opportunities within a forward-thinking organisation.

Operational Excellence Manager employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

At Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and operational excellence within the charity sector. Our hybrid work culture in Heathfield promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills in cloud technology and cyber security. Join us to make a meaningful impact and be part of a team dedicated to driving positive change.

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Contact Details:

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Manager

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence
Continuous Improvement
Lean Manufacturing
Analytical Skills
Stakeholder Management
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
OEE Implementation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.