Director Operational Excellence

TN United Kingdom; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to lead strategic initiatives that enhance productivity and drive sustainable improvements. This pivotal role involves directing a business-critical function, integrating diverse disciplines to achieve operational excellence. The ideal candidate will leverage methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, collaborating with senior leadership to influence strategic decisions. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, where your expertise will directly impact the organization's success and growth.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Establish operational excellence strategies to improve efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement process improvements.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Data Analysis

Project Management

Leadership

Change Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Director Operational Excellence, Hemel Hempstead

Client: Smiths Detection

Location: Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 3

Posted: 10.05.2025

Expiry Date: 24.06.2025

Job Description

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

Responsibilities:

• Establish and implement operational excellence strategies and roadmaps to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within Operations, aligned with strategic business goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams, integrating various disciplines to implement process improvements and drive cultural change.
• Identify, analyze, and optimize key processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and other best practices.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure success, assess long-term performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and coaching on continuous improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align initiatives with broader business objectives and influence strategic decisions.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees at all levels in problem-solving and innovation, fostering change management.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for efficiency, making data-driven decisions that impact business outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and quality standards, recommending policy modifications to support operational excellence.

Drive automation and digital transformation efforts to streamline processes and support strategic growth initiatives.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement roles 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 stakeholder engagement at all levels.
• Experience with process automation, digital transformation, and operational analytics is advantageous.
• Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and data analysis software.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of all aspects of Operations.
• English language skills mandatory.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading change management in business transformation.
• Ability to operate strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of delivering efficient daily operations.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to think quickly, inspire teams, and focus on problem-solving and action.
• Highly analytical, with a data-driven decision-making approach.

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion:

We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, believing they foster company growth. All qualified applicants will receive equal employment consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. We are committed to an inclusive environment grounded in equality and ethics.

During the hiring process, Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, or recruitment partners will never request payment for participation, including interviews or testing. Beware of fraudulent requests; apply directly through our official careers website: www.smithsdetection.com/careers.