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- Tasks: Lead performance improvement and drive a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
- Company: Join Salt Separation Services, a leader in desalination technology for over 35 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, early finish Fridays, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water solutions while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence leadership roles is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a family-owned business with a commitment to quality and employee growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 2 April 2026
Department: Operations
Location: Rochdale
Compensation: £55,000 - £60,000
About Salt Separation Services:
Salt Separation Services have been leading in desalination technology for over 35 years; specialising in the engineering, commissioning and servicing of reverse osmosis (RO) plants that provide drinkable water solutions across a variety of industries. Our systems are used in sectors including naval, oil, cruise ships, and more. We’re committed to designing reliable, high-quality RO and water filtration solutions that meet the unique demands of each industry and customer we serve. Join us on the path to simplifying access to water solutions for a broad and varied client base!
Position Summary:
We are looking for an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to lead site‑wide performance improvement and drive a culture of continuous improvement. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across Lean, Six Sigma, quality engineering, automation, and manufacturing excellence. Operating with high autonomy, you will shape our improvement roadmap, lead cross‑functional transformation, and deliver measurable results in productivity, quality, and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and deployment of the site’s Operational Excellence strategy, aligning improvement initiatives with business goals.
- Drive Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, structured problem‑solving, VAVE, and continuous improvement initiatives across all functions.
- Own and deliver annual cost, productivity, OOE, COPQ, scrap, and lead‑time improvement targets.
- Oversee manufacturing engineering excellence, including process optimisation, tooling, layout, standardisation, and NPI readiness.
- Provide leadership for Quality Engineering activities, including RCCA, 8D, A3, FMEA, and statistical analysis.
- Lead automation, Industry 4.0, and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve real‑time visibility and data-driven decision making.
- Establish strong performance governance frameworks and drive alignment between Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
- Build organisational capability through coaching, problem‑solving training, Lean/Six Sigma development, and CI champion networks.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, customer, and internal standards.
- Manage and develop a team (up to 5 direct reports) across Operational Excellence, CI, and Manufacturing Engineering.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- Proven experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, or Manufacturing Excellence leadership roles.
- Strong expertise in CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 8D, A3, DMAIC, FMEA). Black Belt or equivalent preferred.
- Demonstrated success delivering cost reduction, productivity improvement, and OOE/asset utilisation gains.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering, process optimisation, NPI, and standard work.
- Experience in automation, Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or data‑driven performance systems.
- Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making capability with high autonomy.
- Ability to influence across functions and drive change through coaching, facilitation, and structured governance.
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement culture.
Benefits:
- Competitive employer matched pension scheme (Aviva)
- Company Bonus Scheme
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Free Employee Assistance Services; giving counselling, GP access, financial and wellbeing advice.
- Life insurance
- Income protection (after 5 yrs service)
- Early finish Friday (finishing at 1pm)
- Plenty of training and development
- Holiday buy-back
- Excellent team building, social and company events
At Salt Separation Services, you’ll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects in a dynamic environment, as part of a small family-owned business. We have some big goals on our horizon, we take pride in supporting our employees' own growth and provide a culture that values quality, communication, integrity, health and safety and family.
We'd love to hear from you! Apply now...
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
The next steps:
- Our team will help look into your application
- If successful, we’ll arrange a quick chat
- Initial Interview, will be with the hiring manager and there will be an element of demonstrating your skills.
- Final stage, a peer interview to meet some of the people you’ll be working alongside.
- Offer, and hopefully, acceptance!
Salt Separation Services is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued, we encourage all candidates from all backgrounds, and are very happy to facilitate any adjustment you might need.
Operational Excellence Leader — Lean, Six Sigma in Rochdale employer: Salt Separation Services Limited
Contact Detail:
Salt Separation Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Leader — Lean, Six Sigma in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Salt Separation Services, their projects, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles and how you can bring value to Salt Separation Services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interviews, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Leader — Lean, Six Sigma in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Excellence role. Highlight your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 can help us drive continuous improvement at Salt Separation Services. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. We love seeing real-world applications!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salt Separation Services Limited
✨Know Your Lean and Six Sigma Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these principles, and how they led to measurable improvements. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face some real-world problem-solving scenarios during your interview. Practice structured problem-solving techniques like DMAIC or A3 thinking. Being able to walk through a past challenge and how you resolved it will demonstrate your analytical skills and decision-making capability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operational Excellence Leader, your ability to influence and lead teams is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've coached others in CI methodologies or led cross-functional teams. Highlight your communication style and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Salt Separation Services and understand their commitment to safety, quality, and family values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of simplifying access to water solutions. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.