Operational Excellence and Transformation Director

Korn Ferry Group; Occitanie; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry Group is advising an industrial group in Occitanie to appoint an Operational Excellence and Transformation Director to lead strategic transformation initiatives. The role requires 2-3 days on site in Occitanie, with the remainder of the week possible remote work or from the Paris office.

The successful candidate will drive the Transformation and Operational Excellence agenda, translate priorities into concrete programmes, and oversee IT, digital and procurement transformation across

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading large-scale transformation programmes.
• Background in an industrial, multi-site environment.
• Strong execution mindset with ability to deliver tangible results in complex organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong exposure to Lean, continuous improvement, digitalisation and/or technology-driven transformation.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the Transformation and Operational Excellence Agenda, turning priorities into measurable business impact.
• Translate priorities into concrete initiatives and ensure effective implementation across the organisation.
• Drive procurement transformation initiatives including spend optimisation and supplier rationalisation.
• Lead IT and digital transformation programmes, including data usage, automation and AI solutions.
• Accelerate Operational Excellence across sites by deploying common standards and continuous improvement.
• Identify cross-functional performance improvement programmes addressing efficiency, costs and utilisation.
• Establish governance, KPIs and routines to measure progress and sustain results.
• Support standardisation of processes and best practices and enable synergies between sites.

Skills

Transformation leadership

Lean methodologies

Digital transformation

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Job description

Our client is a leading multi-site / International industrial company operating in a complex and demanding environment and a leader in its sector.

As part of an ambitious transformation journey, the Group is looking to appoint an Operational Excellence and Transformation Director to lead and accelerate the execution of strategic transformation initiatives.

The role is based in Occitanie and requires 2 to 3 days per week on site.

The remainder of the week can be worked remotely or from the Paris office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive the company’s Transformation and Operational Excellence Agenda, turning strategic priorities into measurable business impact.
• Translate Group transformation priorities into concrete initiatives and ensure effective implementation across the organisation.
• Drive Procurement transformation initiatives, including spend optimisation, supplier rationalisation, contract performance, category management and the harmonisation of purchasing practices across sites.
• Lead IT and digital transformation programmes, including the simplification and standardisation of systems and processes, improved use of data, automation, and the deployment of digital and AI solutions supporting business performance.
• Accelerate Operational Excellence across multiple sites, deploying common performance standards, Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices to improve productivity, quality, cost and service levels.
• Identify and lead cross-functional performance improvement programmes, addressing areas such as process efficiency, organisational effectiveness, cost optimisation and resource utilisation.
• Establish clear governance, KPIs and performance routines to measure transformation progress and ensure sustainable results.
• Support the standardisation of processes and best practices across the organisation, while identifying opportunities for synergies between sites and functions.
• Build strong engagement with operational and functional leaders to ensure successful implementation and adoption of transformation initiatives.
• Support managers and teams throughout the transformation journey.

Candidate Profile:

• Significant experience leading large-scale transformation, operational excellence or change programmes.
• Background in an industrial and multi-site environment.
• Strong execution mindset, with the ability to deliver tangible results in complex organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong exposure to Lean, continuous improvement, digitalisation and/or technology-driven transformation.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to transformation.