Operational Excellence Lead (Lean & Six Sigma) - Hybrid

Ellison Surface Technologies, Inc.; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

International projects

Inclusive culture

Shape operational excellence

Competitive salary

Job summary

Bodycote is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence across UK and France manufacturing operations. You will lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, coach teams, and deliver sustained cost reductions.

The role requires 5+ years in process improvement and strong data analytics, with travel across sites in the UK and France. A Lean/Six Sigma certification and PowerBI skills are preferred. This position offers a hybrid work pattern based in Newport.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, or related roles.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation abilities.
• Familiarity with metallurgy and temperatures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within the assigned production site, driving measurable gains in throughput, quality, flow, turn-around-time, throughput and cost reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process flow.
• Partner with GM’s, Plant Managers, Engineers, and Production Managers to identify bottlenecks and deploy structured problem-solving techniques (Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, 5 Why).
• Plan, schedule and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and Gemba walks to engage teams and uncover improvement opportunities.
• Convert improvements from Kaizen activities into tangible business financial benefits and track to completion.
• Analyse data and process metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and standardise visual management systems, performance boards, and dashboards to promote transparency.
• Coach frontline teams on Lean tools such as 5S, SMED, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Collaborate with leadership to establish annual improvement goals and track progress against KPIs.
• Promote employee engagement and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Master’s or MBA (preferred)

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Bodycote is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive operational excellence across UK and France manufacturing operations. You will lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, coach teams, and deliver sustained cost reductions.

The role requires 5+ years in process improvement and strong data analytics, with travel across sites in the UK and France. A Lean/Six Sigma certification and PowerBI skills are preferred. This position offers a hybrid work pattern based in Newport.