Optical Lab Transformation Lead

Zest Optical Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Zest Optical are partnering with a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer to recruit a Lab & Transformation Manager. This senior role leads a ~42-person laboratory/production team across multiple departments, driving transformation strategy and continuous improvement with Operations, Engineering and QA.

The role focuses on operational performance, technology adoption and future growth, with salary/package discussed on shortlisting; UK-based, on-site in Buckinghamshire.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a laboratory or production management role within ophthalmic lens manufacturing.
• Strong technical knowledge of surfacing, coating, glazing and optical lens production processes.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a sizeable production team.
• Experience managing operational performance through KPIs and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience delivering process improvements and operational change.
• A track record of improving productivity, quality and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a laboratory production team of approx. 42 people.
• Oversee production across surfacing, inspection, tinting, hard coating and glazing.
• Plan and coordinate production activity to hit quality, service and delivery targets.
• Monitor daily/weekly performance against KPIs; report findings.
• Identify risks and develop contingency plans; implement productivity improvements.
• Develop and deliver a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory.
• Support introduction of new technology, equipment and methods.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA and Customer Service to improve performance.
• Provide regular reporting on production, defects and improvement areas.
• Develop team capability through coaching and training.
• Manage departmental costs and contribute to budget planning.
• Maintain SOPs, health & safety policies and UK legislation compliance.
• Recruit and develop team members to support current operations and growth.
• Lead technical and laboratory performance meetings with stakeholders.

Skills

Optical lab leadership

Lean manufacturing

Performance management

KPI/metrics

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Lean Six Sigma Level 4 Diploma for Ophthalmic Technicians

SMC (Tech) qualification

Job description

Zest Optical are partnering with a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer to recruit a Lab & Transformation Manager. This senior role leads a ~42-person laboratory/production team across multiple departments, driving transformation strategy and continuous improvement with Operations, Engineering and QA.

The role focuses on operational performance, technology adoption and future growth, with salary/package discussed on shortlisting; UK-based, on-site in Buckinghamshire.