Operational Excellence Lead

Location: Located in one of the major DS Smith Operations Countries: Italy, UK, Iberia, Germany, France, Poland Travel: minimum 60% travel required About the Role The Operational Excellence Lead is responsible for deploying and sustaining a divisional strategy that delivers continuous improvement of operational productivity across all manufacturing sites within the Packaging Division. The role leads the identification and elimination of operational losses in manufacturing sites to deliver financial value. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Deploy the divisional Operational Performance strategy and roadmaps, ensuring alignment with Sub-Regional and site objectives while supporting the implementation of the DSS Way Lead operational performance improvement initiatives across sites, using loss analysis, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision making to improve productivity, reduce cost and waste, and deliver measurable business benefits. Develop operational excellence capability through training, coaching, and mentoring of site leaders, OPEX managers, and frontline teams, embedding continuous improvement and accountability into site culture Implement and sustain performance management systems, including KPIs, tiered reviews, visual management, and escalation routines to drive operational efficiency and transparency Partner with Technical Excellence and I additional European language skills are advantageous. APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 20th October 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr