Operational Manager

Position: Operational Excellent Manager
Operational Excellence Manager

East Midlands £60,000 + Performance Bonus Full‑Time, Permanent

Progressive role with significant influence, reporting to senior stakeholders

About the Opportunity

This is a newly created, high‑impact role for an experienced Operational Excellence Manager who can evidence 5-10 years previous experience working within a high volume, manufacturing environment. Suited to an individual who excels at driving continuous improvement, elevating operational performance, and developing people. You’ll join a successful, forward‑thinking organisation undergoing positive transformation, where you will shape operational strategy, lead CI programmes, and embed best‑practice manufacturing principles across the business.

Reporting to the key stakeholders your skills and expertise will demonstrate previous achievements within an Operational Excellence or CI Management role.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, embed, and sustain continuous improvement across manufacturing and operational processes using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and other structured methodologies.
Develop, coach, and empower teams to build a culture of accountability, problem‑solving, and high performance.
Make business‑critical decisions that support efficiency, quality, delivery, and long‑term operational success.
Oversee governance, compliance, and operational controls, ensuring alignment with internal standards and external regulations.
Support and lead capital equipment projects, including scoping, planning, commissioning, and delivery.
Drive cross‑functional project work, contributing to long‑term operational strategy and transformation programmes.
Ensure robust adherence to Health & Safety, with strong working knowledge of CDM, PUWER, and safe systems of work.
Maintain high standards of operational reporting, KPI management, and stakeholder communication.
Skills & Experience

Minimum 5 years’ experience in an operational excellence, CI, or manufacturing leadership role with a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements.
Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing;
Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar CI certification required.
Demonstrable experience in developing people, building capability, and leading teams through change.
Background in manufacturing or engineering operations, with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience.
Experience supporting or leading capital equipment projects and operational improvement programmes.
Strong understanding of H&S legislation, including CDM and PUWER.
Project management capability; PRINCE2, Agile, or similar methodology desirable.
Confident decision‑maker with excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder‑management skills.
What’s on Offer

•             £60,000 salary

• Performance‑related bonus

• Excellent employee benefits package

• Opportunity to shape a growing, modernising operational environment

• Clear progression and development pathways

• A role with genuine impact, visibility, and strategic influence

NB This employer does not hold an employment sponsorship license