Operational Excellence Manager
CV-LibraryHarwell, OxfordshirepermanentPosted: 6 August 2026
Apply NowWe represent an established and expanding high technology manufacturer who design and develop a range of innovative scientific instruments. With significant and ongoing growth plans, they’re now seeking an operational excellence manager to develop and embed a world-class manufacturing culture across the business, enhancing NPI, quality and production processes to ensure they can offer their product ‘right first time’ and meet their SQCDP targets.
You will work closely with R&D, Engineering and Operations teams to convert complex technical requirements into standardised manufacturing processes, visual work instructions, effective quality controls and error-proofed production systems.
Key skills
• Currently working in continuous improvement, operational excellence or maybe quality, in a leadership role where effective relationship building, influencing, coaching and mentoring are key to success
• Experienced in a manufacturing environment – preferably electromechanical assembly biased
• Experienced in establishing and successfully embedding SOPs, and working to a SQDCP model or similar set of KPIs.
• Excellent knowledge and practical implementation of a range of operational excellence and Lean tools – 5S, visual management, Poka-Yoke, PDCA
• Ideally experience in NPI quality tools such as APQP and PFMEA, and root cause problem solving using techniques such as 8D, 5Y, DMAIC.
• Through working with cross functional teams, able to develop organisational capability in Lean thinking, waste elimination and continuous improvement.
• Previous direct team leadership experience is preferred, though we can consider those used to matrix management for projects, who might want to step into a direct managerial role.
As a key leader within the business, you will define what good looks like, challenge the status quo, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving, coaching and standardisation.
This role provides a unique opportunity to shape manufacturing excellence, influence the future operating model, support business growth and play a leading role in delivering world-class operational performance.
This business can offer a very appealing working environment with leisure facilities on site, 30 days (6 weeks) holiday plus stats, a generous pension contribution and a sociable friendly team setting
You will work closely with R&D, Engineering and Operations teams to convert complex technical requirements into standardised manufacturing processes, visual work instructions, effective quality controls and error-proofed production systems.
Key skills
• Currently working in continuous improvement, operational excellence or maybe quality, in a leadership role where effective relationship building, influencing, coaching and mentoring are key to success
• Experienced in a manufacturing environment – preferably electromechanical assembly biased
• Experienced in establishing and successfully embedding SOPs, and working to a SQDCP model or similar set of KPIs.
• Excellent knowledge and practical implementation of a range of operational excellence and Lean tools – 5S, visual management, Poka-Yoke, PDCA
• Ideally experience in NPI quality tools such as APQP and PFMEA, and root cause problem solving using techniques such as 8D, 5Y, DMAIC.
• Through working with cross functional teams, able to develop organisational capability in Lean thinking, waste elimination and continuous improvement.
• Previous direct team leadership experience is preferred, though we can consider those used to matrix management for projects, who might want to step into a direct managerial role.
As a key leader within the business, you will define what good looks like, challenge the status quo, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving, coaching and standardisation.
This role provides a unique opportunity to shape manufacturing excellence, influence the future operating model, support business growth and play a leading role in delivering world-class operational performance.
This business can offer a very appealing working environment with leisure facilities on site, 30 days (6 weeks) holiday plus stats, a generous pension contribution and a sociable friendly team setting