Full-Time Director Operational Excellence
Smiths Group is hiring a remote Full-Time Director Operational Excellence. The career level for this job opening is Manager and is accepting Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom based applicants remotely. Read complete job description before applying.
Smiths Group
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Job Purpose: Responsible for directing a business-critical function through lower management levels, integrating multiple disciplines and departments to achieve strategic goals. This role establishes and implements strategies that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and foster a culture of operational excellence. The role develops and executes operational strategies aligned with company-wide objectives, leveraging data-driven insights and best practices such as Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation methodologies. Collaborating with senior leadership, this role influences strategic decisions, drives sustainable improvements in quality, cost, and service, and ensures the organization is positioned for long-term success.
Responsibilities:
- Establish and implement operational excellence strategies & roadmaps to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within Operations, aligned with strategic business goals.
- Direct cross-functional teams, integrating multiple disciplines to implement process improvements and drive cultural change.
- Identify, analyze, and optimize key processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and other best practices.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, assess long-term performance, and identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and coaching programs on continuous improvement methodologies.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational excellence initiatives with broader business objectives and influence strategic decision making.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees at all levels in problem-solving and innovation and change management mindset.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for enhanced efficiency, making data-driven decisions that impact business outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and quality standards, while recommending policy modifications to support operational excellence.
- Drive automation and digital transformation efforts to streamline processes and enhance operational capabilities and support strategic growth initiatives.
Knowledge:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 7+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or a related role within an operational environment.
- Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), or similar methodologies.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, process mapping, and problem-solving.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, facilitate change, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience with process automation, digital transformation, and operational analytics is a plus.
- Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and data analysis software.
- Strong hands-on knowledge of all aspects of Operations
- Language skills in English mandatory.
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience of leading change management in a business transformation journey.
- Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven track record in delivering efficient day-to-day operation.
- High degree of organization and ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and collaboration skills that enable you to earn trust at all levels.
- Ability to think and move quickly and inspire his/her team in an environment where problem-solving, and action bias is desired.
- Highly analytical and use data to guide decision-making process.