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- Tasks: Lead performance improvement and drive a culture of continuous enhancement in operations.
- 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 dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, and strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, family-owned business with exciting growth goals.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Application Deadline: 2 April 2026
Department: Operations
Location: Rochdale, on-site
Company: Salt Separation Services
Compensation: ÂŁ55,000 - ÂŁ60,000
About the Company
Salt Separation Services has been a leader 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 are committed to designing reliable, high‑quality RO and water filtration solutions that meet the unique demands of each industry and customer we serve.
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; counselling, GP access, financial and wellbeing advice.
- Life insurance
- Income protection (after 5 years service)
- Early finish Friday (finishing at 1 pm)
- 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 big goals on the horizon, take pride in supporting our employees’ own growth and foster a culture that values quality, communication, integrity, health and safety and family.
Next Steps
Our team will review your application. If successful, we’ll arrange a quick chat. Initial interview with the hiring manager, including a demonstration of 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 happy to facilitate any adjustments you might need.
Operational Excellence Manager 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 Manager in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Salt Separation Services. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions related to Operational Excellence. Think about how your experience with Lean and Six Sigma can shine through. We want you to show off your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Salt Separation Services family.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operational Excellence Manager role. Highlight your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in driving continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on what you’ve achieved in previous roles. Use metrics to demonstrate how you’ve improved productivity or reduced costs, as this will resonate well with us at Salt Separation Services.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 examples of how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in driving continuous improvement initiatives. This will show that you not only understand the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share detailed stories about how you've tackled complex problems in operational settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your analytical skills and decision-making capabilities. This is crucial for a role focused on performance improvement.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research Salt Separation Services and understand their mission and values. Be ready to explain how your vision for operational excellence aligns with their goals, particularly in enhancing productivity and quality. This demonstrates your commitment to contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since you'll be managing a team, think about your leadership style and how you foster collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've built strong relationships across functions and led teams through change. This will reassure them that you can drive alignment and motivate others towards common objectives.