Divisional Director of Excellence

We have an exciting opportunity for a Divisional Director of Excellence to join John Crane reporting directly to the VP Customer Operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for translating the Group Excellence strategy into measurable divisional outcomes driving operational performance capability development and a culture of continuous improvement across our global operations.

As the senior Excellence leader within the Division you will work closely with the Divisional Leadership Team to define and execute strategic improvement priorities delivering sustainable business results through operational excellence Lean transformation and disciplined execution. You will lead high-impact cross-functional initiatives build organisational capability and ensure alignment with Group Excellence standards and governance.

The successful candidate will bring strong operational excellence leadership experience from complex manufacturing and/or aftermarket service environments with a proven track record of leading transformation programmes developing high-performing teams and delivering measurable business value. 

John Crane is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Duties & Responsibilities(not limited to)

• Act as the senior Excellence leader and trusted advisor to the Divisional Leadership Team.
• Translate Group Excellence strategy standards and frameworks into executable business plans that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead high-impact cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business value.
• Ensure compliance with Group Excellence governance standards and reporting requirements.
• Build sustainable operational excellence capability across the organisation through coaching mentoring and capability development programmes.
• Lead develop and prioritise the Divisional Excellence team and associated resources.
• Act as the primary interface between the Division and the Group Excellence organisation.
• Support business continuity planning and operational resilience initiatives across the Division.
• Drive the deployment and adoption of Lean continuous improvement and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Partner closely with senior leaders across Operations Engineering Supply Chain Quality Commercial Service Operations Digital and HSE functions.
• Lead organisational change initiatives that support transformation productivity improvement and operational effectiveness.
• Drive a culture of accountability ownership and continuous improvement across multiple sites and functions.
• Establish robust performance management governance and value tracking mechanisms to ensure benefits are sustained over time.

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Supply Chain Business or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) desirable.
• Formal Lean and/or Continuous Improvement certification such as Lean Leader Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent.
• Significant senior leadership experience in operational excellence transformation continuous improvement or related disciplines.
• Experience within manufacturing and/or aftermarket service environments in complex global organisations.
• Demonstrated success in translating strategy into operational execution and measurable business outcomes.
• Deep expertise in Lean methodologies continuous improvement frameworks and structured problem-solving approaches.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to quantify track and sustain business value.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change across matrixed and multi-site environments.
• Experience building capability coaching leaders and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong governance prioritisation and execution discipline.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills with credibility across executive functional and frontline levels.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively across functions regions and cultures.
• Resilient adaptable and comfortable operating within evolving business environments.
• Strong coaching mindset with a passion for developing people and driving accountability.

Additional Information :

With colleagues stretching across the globe we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans Pride Network Black Employee Network Network and Neurodiversity.

Across our company we recognize excellence culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities people and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day a global celebration of Smiths around our network.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time