Head of Operations Excellence (Lean)

Job Title: Head of Operations Excellence (Lean)
Location: Global - Virtual
Location Type: Remote
Website:
Group:

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions is part of Spirax Group, a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multinational industrial engineering group with expertise in control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping, and related fluid technologies.

Joining us means being part of a collaborative team, engaging in challenging and impactful work, and having growth opportunities. Visit our website for more information.

Job Summary: We seek a talented and motivated Head of Operations Excellence (Lean) to lead our global continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive operational excellence strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead Lean transformation projects using methodologies like Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 Thinking.
• Drive operational improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Coach and develop teams and leaders in Lean tools to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manage change initiatives to ensure adoption across sites and functions.
• Define and track KPIs to measure performance and demonstrate ROI.
• Collaborate with various departments to embed Lean practices into daily operations and strategies.
• Benchmark against best practices and continuously seek performance enhancements.
• Identify and prioritize improvement projects aligned with business value.
• Advise senior leadership on operational strategies and improvements.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through standard work and visual management.
• Lead problem-solving efforts to address operational challenges.

Working Relationships:

Manage and guide the Lean team, collaborating with executive leadership, site managers, functional heads, frontline teams, and external partners to align and implement initiatives.

Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field; extensive experience may substitute.
• Proven experience in manufacturing operations and Lean/continuous improvement leadership.
• Successful track record in multi-site Lean transformations.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent expertise.
• Deep knowledge of Lean tools and implementation strategies.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous holiday allowance, volunteering leave, life assurance.
• Inclusive benefits through our Group Inclusion Plan.

Inclusivity and Diversity: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, supporting flexible working, and providing additional benefits for all employees, including parental and caregiver leave, and support for pregnancy loss or domestic abuse. Learn more at .

We are a Disability Confident employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Accommodations are available during the application process upon request.

Company Overview: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, part of Spirax Group, is dedicated to innovation and inclusion. We manufacture peristaltic pumps and fluid path technologies for diverse industries, serving customers in over 116 countries. Our purpose is to create sustainable value and a safer, more efficient world, supporting our colleagues and communities to make a difference.