Lab & Transformation Manager – Optical Lens Manufacturing

Zest Optical Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Zest Optical are partnering with a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer to recruit a Lab & Transformation Manager. This senior role leads a ~42-person laboratory/production team across multiple departments, driving transformation strategy and continuous improvement with Operations, Engineering and QA.

The role focuses on operational performance, technology adoption and future growth, with salary/package discussed on shortlisting; UK-based, on-site in Buckinghamshire.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a laboratory production team of approx. 42 people.
• Oversee production across surfacing, inspection, tinting, hard coating and glazing.
• Plan and coordinate production activity to hit quality, service and delivery targets.
• Monitor daily/weekly performance against KPIs; report findings.
• Identify risks and develop contingency plans; implement productivity improvements.
• Develop and deliver a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory.
• Support introduction of new technology, equipment and methods.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA and Customer Service to improve performance.
• Provide regular reporting on production, defects and improvement areas.
• Develop team capability through coaching and training.
• Manage departmental costs and contribute to budget planning.
• Maintain SOPs, health & safety policies and UK legislation compliance.
• Recruit and develop team members to support current operations and growth.
• Lead technical and laboratory performance meetings with stakeholders.

Skills

Optical lab leadership

Lean manufacturing

Performance management

KPI/metrics

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Lean Six Sigma Level 4 Diploma for Ophthalmic Technicians

SMC (Tech) qualification

Job description

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.

• Discretionary annual bonus
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• The opportunity to lead a highly skilled optical production facility and influence the future direction of a recognised industry leader

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.

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.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.