Manufacturing Excellence Manager | FMCG Manufacturing, South Wales (UK) URGENT LEAN JOB 21 Jul 2025

Opex Selection; Wales; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG manufacturer in South Wales is seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Manager to enhance operational standards and drive efficiencies across their plant. The role focuses on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvements and involves coaching staff, implementing best practices, and contributing to sustainability goals. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in lean manufacturing and TPM, along with exceptional influencing and coaching skills. Competitive relocation allowance and career development opportunities are available.

Benefits

Relocation allowance

Referral bonus of £300

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Qualifications

• Strong background in lean manufacturing focused on OEE improvements.
• Comprehensive understanding of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance).
• Experience in Industrial, Manufacturing, Quality, or Process Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Introduce and embed company standards to enhance plant efficiency.
• Drive OEE improvements across multiple manufacturing lines.
• Lead continuous operational cost reduction initiatives.
• Coach and train colleagues while developing technical training packages.
• Contribute to the plant's green and sustainability targets.

Job description

Manufacturing Excellence Manager | FMCG Manufacturing, South Wales (UK) URGENT LEAN JOB 28 Jul 2025

• Manufacturing Excellence Manager – large European FMCG manufacturer
• Main Board sponsorship for this position and their Lean / Operational Excellence journey
• South Wales site-based (approx. 80%) plus occasional UK travel and training / best practice review meetings at other sites across Europe
• A member of the site senior leadership team
• Reporting to the Global Operational Excellence Head (based in mainland Europe), dotted line to Site Director
• ***** Relocation allowance available if applicable *****

We seek a passionate and results-driven OEE-focused Lean / Continuous Improvement Manager to join our client’s senior leadership team as a Manufacturing Excellence Manager. Our client is part of a large group of FMCG manufacturers with 21 sites across Europe. This role will be mainly based at their South Wales factory/plant which has recently benefitted from substantial investment and is on a transformative journey towards world-class operational standards, supported by an impactful and committed team.

This pivotal role will focus on driving efficiencies and significantly increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across multiple manufacturing lines by:

• Introducing and embedding company standards to enhance plant efficiency
• Drive OEE improvements across multiple manufacturing lines and championing ManEx programmes
• Leading continuous operational cost reduction initiatives to boost the plant's competitiveness
• Coachand train colleagues whilst developing technical training packages
• Contributing to the plant's ambitious green and sustainability targets in line with our client’s commitment to the environment

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in lean manufacturing, focused on OEE improvements and will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance). Your early career will likely demonstrate experience in either Industrial, Manufacturing, Quality, or Process Engineering. We will consider experience from any FMCG or fast-paced manufacturing sector.

Collaborating with the leadership team and empowering shop floor colleagues is essential, therefore the successful applicant will possess a natural ability to engage with a range of people coupled with strong influencing & coaching skills.

• Be part of a site undergoing significant positive transformation with substantial investment and a clear vision for world-class standards.
• Enjoy modern and inspiring leadership that values innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work within a company that is deeply committed to environmental sustainability.
• Benefit from Main Board sponsorship for the ManEx programme, providing excellent visibility and support.
• Develop your career within a highly dynamic and progressive FMCG environment with significant opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This appointment is exclusively retained by OPEX Selection. Should you feel your skills and experience are suitable please apply online. For further information, please contact Dan Sculthorp, Director at OPEX Selection in complete confidence. Should you be able to recommend a highly suitable candidate please contact Dan and receive a referral bonus of £300 (in retail vouchers of your choice) if the referral leads to a successful candidate placement.