Operational Excellence Manager

On behalf of a prestigious, heritage-rich British manufacturing business with centuries of engineering excellence, we are seeking a hands-on, high-impact Operational Excellence Manager.

Following recently being acquired, the organisation is embarking on a comprehensive site-wide Lean transformation across its flagship West Midlands manufacturing facility. Employing several hundred site team members, the operation encompasses end-to-end capabilities from sheet-metal fabrication through to advanced assembly and testing.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the operation of a traditional manufacturing hub. You will lead the Continuous Improvement and Lean agenda, balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern automation, improving flow, and driving a sustainable culture of Lean excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Value Stream Transformation: Lead end-to-end Lean transformation across the site to optimise flow, reduce lead times, and enhance internal SQDC performance.

* Site Kaizen & CI Culture: Plan, facilitate, and execute site-wide Kaizen events (5S, waste reduction, SMED, TPM) and act as a hands-on coach.

* Tiered Visual Management: Standardise and audit daily visual management cadences to drive data-driven accountability across all shifts.

* Line Balancing & SOPs: Conduct takt time/cycle time analyses to balance multi-station assembly lines and collaborate with Production Engineering to update SOPs.

* Quality & Scrap Reduction: Partner with Quality teams to eliminate root-cause defects using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to maximise first-time-through yield.

* Line-Side Logistics & Kanban: Work closely with supply chain to optimise point-of-use material feeds, implementing pull systems, Kanban, and kitting strategies.

* NPI & Capital Alignment: Support the operational rollout of Next Generation product launches while aligning Lean initiatives with the site’s capital equipment roadmap.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

* We are seeking a Gemba-focused, hands-on leader who has experienced "what good looks like" in a World-Class Manufacturing environment and possesses the passion and agility to apply those principles to a traditional manufacturing operation.

* Proven Track Record: Extensive experience delivering measurable Lean / CI transformations in complex, high-mix industrial manufacturing environments.

* Lean Toolkit Expertise: Mastery of Value Stream Mapping (VSM), SMED, TPM, Cellular Manufacturing, and 7 Wastes elimination.

* Problem-Solving Skills: Deep expertise in root-cause problem-solving (A3, 8D, Ishikawa, 5 Whys) within quality and scrap reduction contexts.

* Leadership & Influence: Outstanding communication skills with a proven track record of influencing and coaching colleagues at every level, from shop-floor operators to executive leadership.

* Analytical & Data-Driven: Strong proficiency in visual control systems, shop-floor analytics, and data-driven decision-making.

WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERS

* Transformation Ownership: The platform to genuinely own and execute an end-to-end Lean roadmap supported by active investment and committed executive leadership.

* Impact & Visibility: High-visibility leadership role key to driving the plant’s transition into a competitive Centre of Excellence.

* Competitive Package: Attractive executive base salary, comprehensive benefits package, and long-term career progression within a growing global group.

HOW TO APPLY

* For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please submit your CV in confidence to Simon Owens at Kaizen Talent Solutions. All enquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed