Operations Optimisation Lead

Position Title:Operations Optimisation Lead

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time ​

Requisition ID: 43945 

Manufacturing Optimisation Lead

Hybrid

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

The Operations Optimisation Lead plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of SCA targets across GB&I & EMENA. Reporting to the Operations Optimisation Manager, this role partners with manufacturing plants to build and deliver sustainable cost advantage (SCA) plans, coordinates and coaches PACE events, and leads regional optimisation initiatives. The role combines analytical expertise, continuous improvement capability, and strong stakeholder engagement to drive measurable business value and embed a data-driven culture across the region.

What you’ll be doing.

• Support plants across GB&I & EMENA in generating and delivering their own SCA plans by providing tools, guidance, coaching, and analytical support.


• Build and continuously replenish the regional SCA pipeline by identifying and prioritizing new cost-saving and efficiency opportunities across manufacturing operations.


• Lead and deliver region-wide SCA initiatives, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution and value realization.


• Leverage operational, performance, and market data to size opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and support evidence-based decision-making.


• Develop and communicate actionable insights that identify trends, quantify opportunities, and strengthen the regional SCA agenda.


• Coordinate and coach PACE events across the region, embedding standardized problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies.


• Act as a change agent, developing capability within plant teams and supporting the sustainable implementation of optimization initiatives.


• Promote a culture of cost discipline, continuous improvement, and accountability across manufacturing operations.


• Partner with Learning & Development and operational leaders to support capability building in SCA and continuous improvement practices.


• Monitor, track, and communicate SCA pipeline performance and delivered outcomes to regional stakeholders and leadership teams.

What you’ll need to be successful.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.


• Experience driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, lean manufacturing, or cost optimization initiatives within a manufacturing environment.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex operational and financial data.


• Experience facilitating workshops, Kaizen events, PACE events, or similar continuous improvement activities.


• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and levels of the organization.


• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience using data analytics tools and reporting systems to generate business insights.


• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop operational teams.


• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. We’re big believers in the power of working together in person—it helps us stay connected, collaborate more effectively, and grow as a team. At the same time, we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know  and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions. 

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here. 

Job Family: Manufacturing

Location(s): NL - Netherlands : Flevoland : Lelystad
NL - Netherlands : Gelderland : Wezep
NL - Netherlands : Limburg : Maastricht
NL - Netherlands : North Brabant : Cuijk
NL - Netherlands : North Brabant : Helmond
NL - Netherlands : North Brabant : Tilburg
NL - Netherlands : North Holland : Amsterdam
NL - Netherlands : Other : Reference job description
NL - Netherlands : Utrecht : Duurstede
NL - Netherlands : Zeeland : Kruiningen
NL - Netherlands : Zeeland : Lewedorp
NL - Netherlands : Zeeland : Rilland
NL - Netherlands : Zeeland : Yerseke  

Company: McCain Alimentaire SAS