Smiths Detection - Director of Operational Excellence

Cielo Talent; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in threat detection is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to drive strategic improvements in global operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in operational excellence, proven leadership in transformation initiatives, and the ability to influence through data-led insights.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement roles.
• Proven leadership of large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies.
• Integrate Lean, Six Sigma, and digital tools to streamline processes.
• Coach and mentor teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Smiths Detection - Director of Operational Excellence

Smiths Detection - Director of Operational Excellence

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Smiths Detection | Division of Smiths Group plc

Reports to: VP Operations

Location: Hemel Hempstead (UK) or Wiesbaden (Germany)

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security. Part of Smiths Group, a FTSE 100 company, we are driven by the mission to make the world a safer place. Our solutions help detect and identify explosives, weapons, chemical agents, biohazards, and narcotics — protecting people and critical infrastructure every day. With a global presence and a strong culture of innovation, we empower our teams to solve complex problems with cutting-edge technology.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Director of Operational Excellence to lead transformative change and drive strategic improvement across our global operations.

About the Role

This is a high-impact leadership position, responsible for shaping and implementing our global Operational Excellence strategy. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and embed a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing and service functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies aligned to business objectives
• Integrate Lean, Six Sigma, and digital tools to streamline processes and drive efficiency
• Build and manage cross-functional teams to deliver complex process improvement initiatives
• Influence strategic decisions with data-led insights and robust KPI frameworks
• Coach and mentor teams at all levels to embed a culture of continuous improvement
• Champion automation and digital transformation to future-proof our operations

What You Bring

• 7+ years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement roles
• Proven leadership of large-scale transformation initiatives
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed

Why Smiths Detection?

At Smiths Detection, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation at the forefront of global safety and security. We invest in innovation and in our people - giving you the opportunity to lead, shape strategy, and drive impactful change.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Manufacturing and Engineering

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

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