Lean Transformation Lead — Operational Excellence

Kaizen Talent Solutions; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Long-term career progression

Job summary

Kaizen Talent Solutions represents a heritage-rich British manufacturing business seeking an hands-on Operational Excellence Manager to drive a site-wide Lean transformation at its West Midlands facility. You will lead end-to-end improvements from sheet-metal fabrication to final assembly and testing, coaching teams and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

The role requires a proven Lean/CI track record, exceptional problem solving, and the ability to balance multi-station lines while

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering Lean/CI transformations in complex, high-mix manufacturing environments.
• Mastery of Value Stream Mapping (VSM), SMED, TPM, Cellular Manufacturing and 7 Wastes elimination.
• Strong leadership and communication skills across shop floor to executive levels.
• Deep problem-solving expertise (A3, 8D, Ishikawa, 5 Whys) in quality and scrap contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Lean transformation across the site to optimise flow, reduce lead times, and enhance SQDC performance.
• Plan, facilitate, and execute site-wide Kaizen events (5S, waste reduction, SMED, TPM) and coach teams hands-on.
• Standardise and audit daily visual management cadences to drive data-driven accountability across shifts.
• Balance multi-station lines via takt/cycle time analyses and update SOPs with Production Engineering.
• Partner with Quality to eliminate root-cause defects and maximise first-time-through yield.
• Collaborate with supply chain to implement Kanban, pull systems, and line-side logistics.
• Support NPI and capital alignment with Lean initiatives.

Skills

Gemba leadership

Lean transformation

VSM

SMED

TPM

Cellular manufacturing

A3 problem solving

8D

Ishikawa

5 Whys

Leadership

Data analytics

Education

Engineering background

Tools

Kanban

5S

SMED

Job description

Kaizen Talent Solutions represents a heritage-rich British manufacturing business seeking an hands-on Operational Excellence Manager to drive a site-wide Lean transformation at its West Midlands facility. You will lead end-to-end improvements from sheet-metal fabrication to final assembly and testing, coaching teams and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

The role requires a proven Lean/CI track record, exceptional problem solving, and the ability to balance multi-station lines while