Operational Excellence Manager

Trouw Nutrition; Ashbourne CP; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in animal nutrition seeks an Operational Excellence Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives in Ashbourne. This role involves leading process improvements, fostering a culture of excellence, and collaborating cross-functionally. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in Lean initiatives. The position offers a full-time, on-site opportunity with competitive benefits and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration and benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement.
• Proven track record in driving process optimization initiatives.
• Lean certification preferred; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the Operational Excellence masterplan for the Ashbourne site.
• Identify and deliver process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Engage teams on Lean and continuous improvement practices.

Skills

Driving Lean initiatives

Operational Excellence

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field

Tools

5S

TPM

Value Stream Mapping

Job description

Job Description:

Join Our Purpose – Feeding the Future

Nutreco is a member of the SHV family, and we are committed to 'Feeding the Future' through sustainable and innovative practices. Nutreco has two business lines: Skretting is a leading global provider of innovative aquafeed solutions, revolutionizing aquaculture for a sustainable future. Trouw Nutrition specializes in animal nutrition and is committed to advancing livestock health and productivity through cutting‑edge solutions.

Are you passionate about driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment? Join Trouw Nutrition GB as an Operational Excellence Manager at our Ashbourne site. In this role, you will lead improvement initiatives, implement best practices, and support the site team to embed a culture of operational excellence.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Trouw Nutrition’s operational efficiency, support a growing team, and make a tangible impact on both business results and customer satisfaction.

About the Role – Drive Continuous Improvement and Efficiency

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the Operational Excellence masterplan for the Ashbourne site
• Identify and deliver process improvements and cost‑saving initiatives
• Engage teams on Lean and continuous improvement practices, fostering a culture of operational excellence
• Conduct diagnostics and assessments to identify opportunities aligned with business priorities.
• Own the Operational Excellence projects end‑to‑end, from planning to implementation and follow‑up
• Collaborate with customers to optimize supply chain efficiency and deliver mutual benefits.
• Analyse performance data, generate insights, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders, including Operations, Customer Service, and Planning, to ensure initiatives align with business goals.
• Report progress and contribute to long‑term operational strategies

Skills and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement.
• Proven track record in driving Lean, Operational Excellence, or process optimization initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data sets into actionable insights.
• Hands‑on experience with improvement tools such as 5S, TPM, or Value Stream Mapping are desirable
• Lean certification preferred; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is an advantage.
• Experience in project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Soft skills: analytical and solutions‑oriented, commercially aware, with strong communication. Resilient, adaptable, and proactive, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence

Other Requirements

• Availability for occasional travel within Great Britain and Europe
• Work model: On‑site, full‑time (Ashbourne, UK)

Why You Will Love Working with Us

Global Benefits:

• Full‑time role in a supportive and dynamic environment
• Opportunity to contribute to an international, dynamic environment
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth within Nutreco and the SHV family

Next Steps:

We value a seamless candidate experience and aim to respond within five (5) business days. The hiring process typically takes 4–6 weeks. For more information, please contact Luisa Ligabo at [e-mail]. We appreciate your interest in joining our mission to innovate and sustainably shape the future of food production

Our organisation:

Trouw Nutrition is the global leader in innovative feed specialties, premixes and nutritional services for the animal nutrition industry. Trouw Nutrition provides species‑specific nutritional solutions consisting of feed concepts, products and nutritional know‑how. The unique combination of products, models and services Trouw Nutrition offers, boosts productivity and supports animal health through all life stages, contributing to our customers' peace of mind. Trouw Nutrition's nutrition solutions have met the need of farmers and home‑mixers, feed producers, integrators and distributors. Trouw Nutrition has locations in 25 countries and around 5000 employees. Our mission is Feeding the Future.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Trouw Nutrition is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, military status or any other status protected by applicable local law. Please advise us at any point during the recruitment and selection process if you require accommodation. Trouw Nutrition is committed to compliance with all applicable legislation, including providing accommodation for applicants with disabilities.