Optical Lens Lab Manager: Transformation Lead

Zest Business Group; Bierton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Company pension

Life assurance

Private healthcare

Employee wellbeing support

Professional development

Leadership opportunity

Job summary

Zest Business Group is seeking a Lab & Transformation Manager for an ophthalmic lens manufacturing facility in Buckinghamshire. You will lead a large team across multiple lab departments, developing people, processes and technology to support future growth.

You will work with the Operations Director, Engineering and QA to maintain high production standards and implement a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory. This role requires strong leadership and a track record in lens production.

Qualifications

• You must have significant experience in a laboratory or production management role within ophthalmic lens manufacturing.
• You should have strong technical knowledge of surfacing, coating, glazing and optical lens production processes.
• You will lead a sizeable production team and manage operational performance via KPIs.
• You should understand continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles.
• You will deliver process improvements and operational change to improve productivity, quality and service.
• You have a track record of improving productivity, quality and customer service.
• You demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• You can manage multiple priorities and projects within demanding timescales.
• You communicate effectively with stakeholders and have strong reporting skills.
• You understand quality systems, SOPs and health and safety requirements.
• You have strong IT skills to produce clear operational reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead a laboratory production team of about 42 people.
• Oversee production across surfacing, coating, glazing and related processes.
• Plan and coordinate production to meet quality, service and delivery targets.
• Monitor performance against KPIs on a daily/weekly basis.
• Identify risks and develop contingency plans.
• Review processes and implement productivity and workflow improvements.
• Develop and deliver a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory.
• Support the introduction of new technology, equipment and methods.
• Work with Engineering, QA and Customer Service to boost performance.
• Provide regular reports on performance, defects, rejects and improvements.
• Develop team capability via coaching, training and performance management.
• Manage departmental costs and assist with budget planning.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety, and PPE policies.
• Recruit and develop team members to support growth.
• Lead technical and laboratory performance meetings with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

KPI management

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Time management

Commercial awareness

Education

Lean Six Sigma Level 4 Diploma (beneficial)

Job description

Zest Business Group is seeking a Lab & Transformation Manager for an ophthalmic lens manufacturing facility in Buckinghamshire. You will lead a large team across multiple lab departments, developing people, processes and technology to support future growth.

You will work with the Operations Director, Engineering and QA to maintain high production standards and implement a clear transformation strategy for the laboratory. This role requires strong leadership and a track record in lens production.