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- Tasks: Drive data-led improvements in our warehouse and operations for sustainable e-commerce.
- Company: Join World of Books, a purpose-driven business focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, senior support, and the chance to shape impactful initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in operational excellence while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume operations and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting growth phase with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of sustainable e-commerce at World of Books. At World of Books, we’re on a mission to become the planet’s bookstore. To support this ambition, we’re looking for an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to drive systematic, data-led improvement across our warehouse and wider operations. This is a senior, high-impact role where you’ll establish best-practice improvement methodologies, build capability at all levels, and deliver measurable improvements across safety, service, cost, and automation in a high-volume e-fulfilment environment.
About the Role
As Operational Excellence Manager, you’ll be a strategic change leader within our Operations function. You’ll evaluate current performance, identify opportunities, and lead improvement initiatives from concept through to sustained delivery — ensuring improvements stick, not stall. You’ll work closely with the Operations Director, operational leaders, and our Operational Product team, influencing from warehouse floor to senior leadership.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Evaluate warehouse and operational performance and define improvement roadmaps
- Embed Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Establish governance, benefit tracking, and performance accountability
- Lead improvement forums and prevent regression through robust standards
- Data, Insight & Decision Making
- Use data analytics to uncover opportunities and root causes
- Build dashboards, reports, and visual management tools
- Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
- Automation & Technology
- Lead automation initiatives end-to-end (scoping to optimisation)
- Balance legacy equipment with new technology solutions
- Build strong supplier relationships and deliver clear ROI
- Capability & Culture
- Coach, mentor, and develop teams in continuous improvement skills
- Design and deliver CI training programmes
- Build a proactive, engaged culture of continuous improvement
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Influence across all levels — from warehouse operatives to executive leadership
- Build strong cross-functional relationships and secure buy-in for change
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience driving operational excellence in high-volume environments
- Hands-on experience with Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA and CI governance
- Experience in automated or semi-automated warehouses or fulfilment centres
- Strong data and analytical capability (Excel, reporting, visualisation tools)
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green / Black Belt)
- E-commerce or retail distribution experience
- Knowledge of WMS and warehouse technology platforms
- Established network of automation or solution providers
Why Join World of Books?
- Play a key role in a purpose-led business with sustainability at its heart
- Shape the future of our operations with real autonomy and senior support
- Work on varied, high-impact initiatives across safety, service, cost and automation
- Join a collaborative leadership team during an exciting phase of growth
Location: Coventry (regular on-site presence required) World of Books is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Ready to make a lasting operational impact? Apply now and help us build the planet’s bookstore.
Operational Excellence Manager in Coventry employer: World of Books
Contact Detail:
World of Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Manager in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at World of Books on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Operational Excellence Manager role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand how your skills in Lean, Six Sigma, and data analytics can directly contribute to their goal of becoming the planet’s bookstore. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and the company can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Manager in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with operational excellence, Lean, and Six Sigma. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at World of Books!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data analytics is key for this role, include specific examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past positions. We love seeing those numbers and insights that made a difference!
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: This role involves influencing various levels of the organisation, so share instances where you've successfully engaged stakeholders. We want to know how you built relationships and secured buy-in for change!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at World of Books
✨Know Your Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on Lean, Six Sigma, and FMEA methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of operational excellence.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analytics. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in previous positions. If you can, have a few metrics or success stories ready to share that highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Think of instances where you've influenced change across different levels of an organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you built relationships and secured buy-in for your initiatives, as this role requires strong stakeholder engagement.
✨Culture of Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement in your teams. Share specific examples of training programmes you've designed or how you've coached others in CI skills, as this aligns perfectly with what World of Books is looking for.
