Operational Excellence Manager in Croydon

Shape how a large, multi-site organisation works - and help it work better, together! We are supporting a complex, multi-faceted organisation operating across a large national footprint, providing essential products and services that communities rely on every single day. The scale is significant. The impact is meaningful. And the opportunity now is transformation.

As the business has continually grown, we are now seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to help bring greater alignment, clarity and efficiency across a diverse operational estate. This is a role for someone who sees the bigger picture, understands how systems connect and knows how to turn insight into measurable improvement.

This role sits at the heart of operational performance. Across a large, multi-site network, different functions and teams have historically evolved in silos. Good people. Strong intent. But not always working in a unified, streamlined way. Your remit is to change that! You will lead the identification of systemic inefficiencies, conduct strong situational analysis, and design practical, scalable solutions that bring the organisation closer together - improving performance, compliance and long-term capability.

This is not theoretical strategy. It is hands-on operational excellence in action.

The key responsibilities for the Operational Excellence Manager will include:

• Conducting deep operational diagnostics to identify root causes, not just symptoms
• Dissecting large, complex data sets to inform clear, evidence-based decision making
• Designing and implementing scalable process improvements
• Leading cross-functional improvement projects that break down silos and improve alignment
• Establishing meaningful KPIs with clear ownership and accountability
• Supporting automation and process optimisation initiatives
• Embedding a culture of continuous improvement across teams
• Ensuring all improvements are aligned with regulatory and safety requirements

The ideal candidate for this Operational Excellence Manager role will have the following background:

• 3+ years of experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies
• Strong situational analysis capability - able to step into complexity, assess quickly and prioritise effectively
• A data-driven mindset, confident interrogating large data sets to identify trends and opportunities
• High levels of analytical rigour and emotional intelligence
• Experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies
• The ability to create standardised, scalable processes in multi-site environments
• Confidence communicating difficult or challenging messages in a constructive, collaborative way
• Strong rapport-building skills - able to influence at all levels without relying on hierarchy
• A practical, solutions-focused approach with the credibility to work closely with operational leaders

You will need to be comfortable challenging the status quo - but doing so in a way that brings people with you.

This is a highly collaborative, inclusive organisation with strong values and a genuine sense of purpose. People care deeply about the work they do and the communities they serve. Success here comes from partnership, not politics.

To succeed in this role within the business you must be people-focused and pragmatic - someone who can operate confidently across functions, build trust quickly, and help a large organisation move forward in a more connected, cohesive way. If you are energised by complexity, motivated by impact, and confident turning data into action - this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of operational maturity within a growing, essential services organisation.