Operational Excellence Director, Packaging

Were seeking a visionary and experienced leader to take on the role of Operational Excellence Director within our Packaging Division. This is a high-impact opportunity to provide strategic leadership across the Packaging division driving performance compliance and capability development across Quality Product Safety Continuous Improvement and Data & Insight functions. Youll lead the creation of a standardised operating model embed governance frameworks and deliver measurable improvements in service quality and cost.

Why this role matters

The role acts as both a functional lead and business partner tailoring approaches to the specific maturity challenges and growth ambitions of each Sub-Region.

Through insight generation standardisation and performance enablement the Operational Excellence Director drives sustainable improvements in service quality cost and compliance. The position is central to building functional capability embedding a culture of continuous improvement and enabling long-term operational competitiveness.

Responsibilities

Key Focus Areas

• Strategic Leadership: Align divisional Quality Product Safety Continuous Improvement and Data & Insight under one coordinated strategy.

• Performance & Insight: Analyse operational data to identify systemic gaps and shape improvement priorities.

• Governance & Compliance: Establish frameworks aligned with ISO BRCGS REACH and other standards.

• Capability Development: Build and coach high-performing functional teams across the division and the sub-regions. Drive a culture of learning accountability and empowerment across Quality Product Safety and Continuous Improvement functions

• Transformation Enablement: Support capital investment footprint optimisation and digital transformation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with Divisional Sub-Regional and Group stakeholders to ensure alignment and influence in key initiatives.

Success Looks Like

• Delivery of the Operational Excellence strategy and roadmap milestones.

• YoY improvement in key KPIs (OEE CoPQ OTIF) including 20% productivity uplift by 2030.

• 80% of sites scoring Established or higher in functional maturity.

• 90% completion of capability assessments and training plans.

• 100% compliance across all applicable standards and certifications.

What Youll Bring

• 15 years in operations manufacturing or supply chain leadership with divisional-level experience.

• Degree in Engineering Operations or a related technical discipline. Masters degree or MBA desirable.

• Qualifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt ISO Lead Auditor or equivalent preferred.

• Proven success in integrating Quality CI and Product Safety into a unified performance model.

• Strong analytical mindset and ability to generate actionable insights.

• Deep knowledge of Lean QMS regulatory compliance and manufacturing KPIs.

• Credible leadership and stakeholder engagement across a matrixed organisation.

• Experience in packaging FMCG or regulated industrial manufacturing preferred.

Location: London Paddington