At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in optical lens production and drive transformation strategies.
- Company: Join a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the optical industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in optical lens manufacturing and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Zest Optical are working with a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer to recruit an experienced Lab & Transformation Manager. This senior position would suit an experienced Optical Lab Manager, Optical Laboratory Manager or Optical Production Manager with a strong background in ophthalmic lens manufacturing.
You will lead a large optical lens production facility, with overall responsibility for a team of approximately 42 people across multiple laboratory departments. You will manage operational performance while developing the people, processes and technology needed to support the laboratory's future growth. Working closely with the Operations Director, Engineering and Quality Assurance teams, you will maintain excellent production standards and develop a clear transformation strategy for the optical laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop a laboratory production team of approximately 42 people
- Oversee production across surfacing, inspection, spin tinting, dip tinting, hard coating, anti-reflective coating, final inspection, remote edging, glazing order entry and glazing
- Plan and coordinate production activity to achieve quality, service and customer delivery targets
- Monitor daily and weekly operational performance against agreed KPIs
- Identify production and service risks and develop appropriate contingency plans
- Review existing processes and implement improvements to productivity, quality and workflow
- Develop and deliver a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory
- Support the introduction of new technology, equipment, systems and production methods
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality Assurance and Customer Service to improve operational performance
- Provide regular reporting on production performance, defects, rejects and areas for improvement
- Develop team capability through coaching, training, cross-training and performance management
- Manage departmental costs and contribute to annual budget planning
- Maintain compliance with SOPs, health and safety requirements, PPE policies and relevant UK legislation
- Recruit and develop team members with the skills required to support current operations and future growth
- Lead technical and laboratory performance meetings with internal and external stakeholders
About You
You must be an experienced operational leader with a strong background in ophthalmic lens manufacturing and a thorough understanding of lens production processes. You will also have:
- Significant experience in a laboratory or production management role within ophthalmic lens manufacturing
- Strong technical knowledge of surfacing, coating, glazing and optical lens production processes
- A proven ability to lead, manage and develop a sizeable production team
- Experience managing operational performance through KPIs and performance metrics
- Knowledge of continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles
- Experience delivering process improvements and operational change
- A track record of improving productivity, quality and customer service
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and projects within demanding timescales
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- A good understanding of quality systems, SOPs and health and safety requirements
- Strong IT skills and the ability to produce clear operational reports
- A calm, organised and commercially aware approach
Experience supporting transformation, automation or wider business improvement programmes would be highly desirable. A Lean Six Sigma, Level 4 Diploma for Ophthalmic Technicians, SMC (Tech), ABDO or equivalent qualification would be beneficial, although this is not essential.
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Private healthcare
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- The opportunity to lead a highly skilled optical production facility and influence the future direction of a recognised industry leader
To apply for this position in Buckinghamshire, please submit your CV through Zest Optical. All applications will be handled confidentially. The salary and complete employment package will be discussed with you before your CV or personal details are shared with the client. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing employer: Zest Business Group
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Zest Business Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Zest Business Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Business Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zest Business Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Zest Business Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
