Operational Excellence Manager

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

On behalf of a prestigious, heritage-rich British manufacturing business with centuries of engineering excellence, we are seeking a hands-on, high-impact Operational Excellence Manager.

Following recently being acquired, the organisation is embarking on a comprehensive site-wide Lean transformation across its flagship West Midlands manufacturing facility. Employing several hundred site team members, the operation encompasses end-to-end capabilities from sheet-metal fabrication through to advanced assembly and testing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Value Stream Transformation: Lead end-to-end Lean transformation across the site to optimise flow, reduce lead times, and enhance internal SQDC performance.
• Site Kaizen & CI Culture: Plan, facilitate, and execute site-wide Kaizen events (5S, waste reduction, SMED, TPM) and act as a hands‑on coach.
• Tiered Visual Management: Standardise and audit daily visual management cadences to drive data‑driven accountability across all shifts.
• Line Balancing & SOPs: Conduct takt time/cycle time analyses to balance multi‑station assembly lines and collaborate with Production Engineering to update SOPs.
• Quality & Scrap Reduction: Partner with Quality teams to eliminate root‑cause defects using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to maximise first‑time‑through yield.
• Line‑Side Logistics & Kanban: Work closely with supply chain to optimise point‑of‑use material feeds, implementing pull systems, Kanban, and kitting strategies.
• NPI & Capital Alignment: Support the operational rollout of Next Generation product launches while aligning Lean initiatives with the site's capital equipment roadmap.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• We are seeking a Gemba‑focused, hands‑on leader who has experienced 'what good looks like' in a World‑Class Manufacturing environment and possesses the passion and agility to apply those principles to a traditional manufacturing operation.
• Proven Track Record: Extensive experience delivering measurable Lean / CI transformations in complex, high‑mix industrial manufacturing environments.
• Lean Toolkit Expertise: Mastery of Value Stream Mapping (VSM), SMED, TPM, Cellular Manufacturing, and 7 Wastes elimination.
• Problem‑Solving Skills: Deep expertise in root‑cause problem‑solving (A3, 8D, Ishikawa, 5 Whys) within quality and scrap reduction contexts.
• Leadership & Influence: Outstanding communication skills with a proven track record of influencing and coaching colleagues at every level, from shop‑floor operators to executive leadership.
• Analytical & Data‑Driven: Strong proficiency in visual control systems, shop‑floor analytics, and data‑driven decision‑making.

WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERS

• Transformation Ownership: The platform to genuinely own and execute an end‑to‑end Lean roadmap supported by active investment and committed executive leadership.
• Impact & Visibility: High‑visibility leadership role key to driving the plant's transition into a competitive Centre of Excellence.
• Competitive Package: Attractive executive base salary, comprehensive benefits package, and long‑term career progression within a growing global group.