Operational Excellence Manager

Schwarz Produktion GmbH & Co. KG; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Healthcare plan

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Employee assistance

24/7 helpline

Job summary

Schwarz Produktion GmbH & Co. KG is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager at our Derby plant. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives, coach teams in Lean and OPEX methods, and align site goals with corporate strategy. The role requires 2–5 years in production and willingness to travel in Europe.

The position offers a permanent contract, 37.5 hours per week, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent role experience) plus 2–5 years in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Lean and OPEX methodologies (Kaizen, DMAIC) and value stream mapping.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of continuous improvement strategies across the plant with cross-functional teams.
• Coach employees on operational excellence tools and sustain an OPEX philosophy.
• Support plant leadership in strategic planning and target-setting.
• Implement OPEX initiatives using methods such as Value Stream Mapping, SMED, 5S, Ishikawa.
• Align plant requirements with the corporate OPEX strategy.

Skills

Lean

OPEX

Kaizen

DMAIC

Value Stream Mapping

KPIs

Google Workspace

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

We produce a wide range of high-quality mineral and spring waters and soft drinks. Thanks to our state-of-the-art production equipment, we can respond flexibly to retailer demand. We offer you a dynamic work environment with plenty of development opportunities.

We are looking for:

Operational Excellence Manager

Job-ID: 19796 Working area: City: Derby, GB, DE65 5BT

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead the deployment of continuous improvement strategies across the plant. Working with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, reduce operational waste, enhance product or service quality, and foster a problem-solving culture.
• Coach employees on operational excellence tools while establishing a sustainable OPEX philosophy in line with central standards.
• Support plant leadership in strategic planning and goal-setting processes to align operational targets.
• Plant-specific implementation of OPEX initiatives using the relevant methods, e.g., Value Stream Mapping, SMED, 5S, Ishikawa.
• Incorporating plant requirements into the corporate group's overarching OPEX strategy development.
• Leading central OPEX projects to optimize processes and workflows.
• Analyse data from operational systems and on-site documentation to prepare targeted workshops and optimisation projects.
• Formulate and design comprehensive training materials and presentation content for OPEX programmes.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives across departments while identifying key areas for continuous process improvement.
• Provide regular progress reports and status updates to both plant management and central divisions.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent role experience) coupled with 2-5 years of production environment experience.
• Expertise in Lean and OPEX methodologies, including Kaizen, DMAIC, value stream mapping, and target resolution processes.
• Highly structured, self-motivated, and analytical approach to solving complex operational challenges.
• Inspiring team player with excellent communication skills.
• Google Workspace proficiency alongside the ability to interpret operational KPIs and production data.
• Willingness to undertake occasional European travel.

OUR OFFER

• 33 days annual leave per year inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Healthcare Cash Plan after qualifying period
• Life Assurance Cover of 3 times basic salary
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programs with access to savings & discounts
• 24/7 helpline and much more
• Contract type: Permanent
• Start Date:1 October 2026
• Working time: 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: Competitive, depending on experience