Director Operational Excellence

Smiths Detection; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in threat detection seeks a Director of Operational Excellence to drive strategic initiatives and enhance productivity. The role involves collaborating with senior leadership to implement operational strategies, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in operational excellence, strong analytical skills, and proven leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred).

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement operational excellence strategies.
• Direct cross-functional teams to drive cultural change.
• Analyse operational data to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management

Master’s preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defence, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centres, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place - https://youtu.be/JmcKLJTrHLc

Job Purpose:

Responsible for directing a business-critical function through lower management levels, integrating multiple disciplines and departments to achieve strategic goals. This role establishes and implements strategies that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and foster a culture of operational excellence.

The role develops and executes operational strategies aligned with company-wide objectives, leveraging data-driven insights and best practices such as Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation methodologies. Collaborating with senior leadership, this role influences strategic decisions, drives sustainable improvements in quality, cost, and service, and ensures the organization is positioned for long-term success.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and implement operational excellence strategies & roadmaps to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within Operations, aligned with strategic business goals.
• Direct cross-functional teams, integrating multiple disciplines to implement process improvements and drive cultural change.
• Identify, analyse, and optimize key processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and other best practices.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, assess long term performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and coaching programs on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational excellence initiatives with broader business objectives and influence strategic decision making.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees at all levels in problem-solving and innovation and change management mindset.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for enhanced efficiency, making data driven decisions that impact business outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and quality standards, while recommending policy modifications to support operational excellence.
• Drive automation and digital transformation efforts to streamline processes and enhance operational capabilities and support strategic growth initiatives.

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or a related role within an operational environment.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), or similar methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, process mapping, and problem-solving.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, facilitate change, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with process automation, digital transformation, and operational analytics is a plus.
• Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and data analysis software.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of all aspects of Operations
• Language skills in English mandatory.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of leading change management in a business transformation journey.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record in delivering efficient day to day operation
• High degree of organization and ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and collaboration skills that enable you to earn trust at all levels.
• Ability to think and move quickly and inspire his/her team in an environment where problem solving, and action bias is desired
• Highly analytical and use data to guide decision making process.

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Manufacturing

• Industries

  Security and Investigations

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