Operational Excellence Leader

INNOVA SEARCH; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Liverpool is seeking an Operational Excellence Leader to spearhead a site-wide transformation. This role involves designing a five-year roadmap to implement a structured Operating System and requires strong credentials in Lean management. The ideal candidate will possess experience in large-scale transformations within manufacturing sectors such as FMCG and automotive, and will drive cultural change and performance excellence throughout the organization.

Benefits

Bonus

Car allowance

Enhanced benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in deploying Lean framework from the ground up.
• Experience in high-cost, complex manufacturing transformations.
• Strong credentials in Lean or Continuous Improvement (ideally Black Belt).

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a five-year roadmap for site-wide Operating System.
• Engage, coach, and lead cultural change within the organization.
• Assess site maturity and build capability for long-term success.

Skills

Lean framework deployment

Large-scale transformation

Data-driven decision making

Influence and challenge at all levels

Creativity and resilience

Job description

Operational Excellence Leader – Manufacturing Transformation

📍 Location: Liverpool (Hybrid)

💰 Package: Circa £85,000 plus bonus, car allowance and enhanced benefits

🏭 Sector: Complex, high-cost manufacturing (FMCG, Automotive, Food and Drink, Packaging, etc.)

An excellent opportunity to lead a site-wide Operational Excellence transformation within a complex manufacturing environment that is investing heavily in performance, culture, and capability.

The business is looking to strengthen its leadership team with a proven Operational Excellence professional who can design and deliver a structured roadmap for sustainable improvement. This is a high-profile role with scope to make a lasting impact across both process and culture.

Opportunity

You will have full ownership for designing and executing a five-year roadmap to implement a site-wide Operating System. While a structured global framework exists, you will have the freedom to shape how it is deployed, ensuring it is practical, effective, and embedded across all functions.

>The initial phase will focus on assessing site maturity, building capability, and establishing the foundations for long-term success. From there, the emphasis will move towards engagement, coaching, and cultural change, embedding Lean thinking at every level of the organisation.

This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative and globally connected network, supported by a project management office, change agents, and advanced performance-tracking tools. You will have a direct report to support delivery and will work closely with site and global stakeholders.

What We Are Looking For

• Personally deployed an operating system or Lean framework from the ground up
• Experience delivering large-scale transformation within complex, regulated, or high-cost manufacturing
• Strong Lean or Continuous Improvement credentials (ideally Black Belt, minimum Green Belt)
• A hands‑on, data‑driven approach with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels
• The energy, creativity, and resilience to build momentum and deliver sustainable improvement

We are particularly interested in leaders from FMCG, food and drink, automotive, packaging, or other complex manufacturing settings who have built and deployed operating systems from the ground up.

This is a blank canvas transformation role for a credible, inspirational leader who can combine structure with influence, drive engagement, and embed a culture of performance excellence.

If this opportunity resonates with you, I would be happy to arrange a confidential discussion to explore it further