Head of Lean in Inchinnan

• Job Title
• Head of Lean
• Location
• Inchinnan, Derby or Washington (Hybrid – minimum 3 days on site)
• Summary

Full‑time opportunity to join Rolls‑Royce Compression Systems as Head of Lean.

The role reports to the EVP Manufacturing, is part of the Senior Leadership Team and can be based at one of our sites in Inchinnan, Derby or Washington.

The Head of Lean is accountable for shaping, deploying and sustaining the organisation’s Lean / Operational Excellence strategy and translating enterprise priorities into practical production system improvements.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate a compelling vision for operational excellence aligned to business strategy and performance requirements.
• Translate high‑level strategy into local initiatives, balancing performance delivery with transformation priorities.
• Use external and internal benchmarks to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change.
• Develop and deploy the lean strategy, ensuring it is understood, adopted and embedded across the organisation.
• Convert operational excellence theory into practical, real‑life strategic and operational application.
• Train and coach leaders and teams on production system thinking, lean principles, problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Lead programme and change‑management activity to support deployment, adoption and sustainable outcomes.
• Establish structured governance, drumbeat and control mechanisms to maintain focus, accountability and pace.
• Lead a small team of Lean Leaders across multiple plants.

Qualifications

Preferred requirements

• Strong lean / operational excellence expertise with the ability to apply lean principles in complex manufacturing or operational environments.
• Proven ability to connect business strategy, operational performance and local improvement activity.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to identify key performance levers and quantify performance gaps.
• Experience developing benefit cases, using data to inform priorities and guide decision‑making.
• Ability to design and operate governance systems that provide control, cadence and clear accountability.
• Knowledge of lean operating systems and frameworks such as production systems / operational excellence systems, HSE frameworks and enterprise management systems.
• Experience developing talent and building leadership and technical capability aligned to future business needs.
• Proven ability to coach and train teams at different levels in the organisation.
• Strong storytelling, facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to adapt style for different audiences.
• Why Join Rolls‑Royce

At Rolls‑Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls‑Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world‑class solutions, supported by a culture that values individuality and promotes high‑performance collaboration.

Benefits

Regional benefits include generous annual leave, retirement savings through the Rolls‑Royce Retirement Savings Trust, group life assurance providing a lump‑sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls‑Royce Group, income protection providing income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and matched share ownership through the “Buy one share, get one free” scheme.

EEO Statement

Rolls‑Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non‑discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Additional Information

Professional level and salary of the position are dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate but is anticipated to be Level B.

The position is advertised at the grades shown and is the desired operating level for this role.

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