Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing

Position: Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing
Location: Buckinghamshire

Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing

Full Time | Buckinghamshire | Leading Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturer

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.

The salary and wider package will be discussed with you in full before your CV or any personal details are shared with the client.

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 leaderApply

To apply for this Lab & Transformation Manager - Optical Lens Manufacturing position in Buckinghamshire, please submit your CV through Zest Optical.

This opportunity may also suit candidates currently working as an Optical Lab Manager, Optical Laboratory Manager, Optical Production Manager, Lens Production Manager or Ophthalmic Laboratory Manager.

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