Divisional Head of Operational Excellence

Location - UK and Europe ( Approximately >50% travel required )

Subject to Consultation

The Head of Operational Excellence is responsible for defining deploying and sustaining a divisional strategy that delivers continuous improvement of productivity across all Sub-Regions and manufacturing sites within the Packaging Division. The role leads the development of lean capability performance management systems and cultural transformation to enable operational efficiency and business performance. This role is central to embedding a culture of accountability process discipline and execution excellence across the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Define and implement the divisional Operational Performance strategy aligned to divisional objectives

• Develop and own the divisional Operational Performance roadmap; ensure alignment with Sub-Regional operational goals

• Standardise KPI frameworks tiered reviews visual performance management and escalation routines across all sites

• Build operational performance competencies across all levels from site leaders to frontline teams through targeted training and coaching

• Lead major improvement initiatives across sites and functions; track benefit realisation

• Embed OPEX principles into site culture by role-modelling behaviours and ensuring local accountability structures

• Lead performance improvement programmes focused on productivity cost reduction waste elimination etc. Act as the primary interface between divisional leadership and site-based improvement activity

• Develop and deliver OPEX training programmes to build local capability and drive cultural adoption

• Collaborate with Technical Excellence and I&T in the development and deployment of an Operations Digital strategy

• Champion a data-driven fact-based decision-making culture

• Coach and mentor site leaders OPEX managers and functional teams in structured problem-solving tools

• Facilitate knowledge-sharing forums and internal benchmarking to accelerate improvement and transfer success

About You

• Degree in Engineering Manufacturing Industrial Management or related technical discipline

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent qualification preferred; formal training in Continuous Improvement Change Management or TPM methodologies desirable

• Significant experience in operational excellence continuous improvement or manufacturing transformation roles

• Experience in a leadership capacity ideally with multi-site or divisional-level scope

• Proven ability to drive measurable results in cost quality and service across diverse plant networks

• Experience in corrugated packaging FMCG or complex industrial environments strongly preferred

• Background in leading cross-functional programmes across engineering production supply chain and commercial teams

• Excellent facilitation coaching and communication skills; confident presenting to senior leadership and site teams

• Expertise in lean tools (e.g. VSM SMED 5S DMAIC Kaizen A3) and operational performance metrics

• Familiarity with OEE systems KPI dashboards Power BI and structured problem-solving platforms

• Capable of inspiring cultural change and engaging employees at all levels.