Regional Operational Excellence Lead

Johnson Matthey; Royston; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive retirement savings

Company matched Share Incentive Plan

Life Assurance, Income Protection and/

Critical Illness

Medical plans/health assessments

Retailer and Wellbeing discounts

Competitive annual incentive plan

Job summary

Johnson Matthey is inviting applications for the Regional Operational Excellence Lead role based at Royston, UK, with a regional reach across the country. You will partner with regional operations leaders, develop an OE roadmap, and lead programmes improving safety, quality and efficiency.

The role requires a Black Belt/Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, proven lead experience, and the ability to coach teams while driving cross-functional change.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Operational Excellence or continuous improvement programmes.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma with structured problem-solving knowledge.
• Proven track record delivering operational and financial improvements in complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management with experience influencing senior leaders.
• Excellent analytical, project management and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to coach and develop improvement teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with regional operations leaders to identify priorities and improve performance across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Develop and deliver a regional Operational Excellence roadmap aligned to business strategy.
• Lead improvement programmes that enhance safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and cost performance.
• Drive operational maturity through continuous improvement tools, governance and best-practice ways of working.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to support operational priorities and transformational change.
• Lead and develop a team of Operational Excellence specialists while embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Operational Excellence

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Project management

Job description

Location: U.K. – Site based in Royston with regional reach across UK

At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As the Regional Operational Excellence Lead, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you’ll help tackle the world’s biggest challenges - cutting emissions, powering modern life and supporting life‑saving technologies - by applying, refining and recycling metals that matter for a healthier, more sustainable, circular future.

The role:

• Partnering with regional operations leaders to identify priorities and improve performance across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Developing and delivering a regional Operational Excellence roadmap aligned to business strategy.
• Leading improvement programmes that enhance safety, quality, productivity, efficiency and cost performance.
• Driving operational maturity through continuous improvement tools, governance and best‑practice ways of working.
• Building strong cross‑functional partnerships to support operational priorities and transformational change.
• Leading and developing a team of Operational Excellence specialists while embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Key skills that will help you succeed in this role:

• Proven experience leading Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement or Operations Transformation programmes.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma, with strong knowledge of structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated success delivering measurable operational and financial improvements within complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior operations leaders.
• Excellent analytical, project management and decision‑making capabilities.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop high‑performing improvement teams.

Even if you only match some of the skills, we’d love to hear from you to discuss further!

What we offer:

• Competitive retirement savings
• Company matched Share Incentive Plan
• Life Assurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness
• Medical plans/health assessments
• Retailer and Wellbeing discounts
• Competitive annual incentive plan

Ready to make a meaningful impact on your career and the environment? Join us and help shape a sustainable future while advancing your career!

At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.

For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact [e-mail]. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.

Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks, early application is advised.

Additional advert note: This role is site‑based with regional responsibility across multiple U.K. manufacturing locations and requires up to 50% travel.

All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise.Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice: Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to the notice.

Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.