Operational Excellence Lead

About the role

Muller UK & Ireland is creating a new senior position at its Skelmersdale site to drive a culture of continuous improvement. The Operational Excellence Lead will embed OE principles across all functions, support strategic execution, and enable teams to deliver sustainable performance.

Key responsibilities

• Create and sustain a strong Operational Excellence culture site‑wide.
• Lead deployment of OE tools and methodologies such as Six Sigma, SMED, 5S, Standard Work, RCA and Autonomous Maintenance.
• Use data analysis and structured problem‑solving to identify waste and deliver improvements.
• Support the site OGSM through target setting, planning and performance management.
• Coach and enable colleagues and leaders to recognise improvement opportunities.
• Benchmark site performance against the wider network to drive best practice.
• Collaborate with site leadership to influence, shape and deliver change.
• Embed safety, quality and compliance standards within all improvement activity.
• Build capability through training, facilitation and mentoring.
• Lead improvement projects using DMAIC or equivalent approaches.

Required profile

• Strong background in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement or Lean leadership within a complex operational environment.
• Proven ability to coach, influence and engage teams at all levels.
• Advanced problem‑solving capability with a data‑driven approach.
• Experience applying OE methodologies (Six Sigma, lean tools, PDCA, waste elimination).
• Excellent communication skills with confidence to challenge and inspire change.
• Strategic mindset able to translate business goals into actionable plans.
• Resilient, proactive and collaborative working style.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is advantageous.

Required skills

• Six Sigma
• Lean tools (SMED, 5S, Standard Work)
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Autonomous Maintenance
• DMAIC project methodology
• Data analysis

What we offer

• Company car or car allowance
• Up to 15% annual bonus
• 4× life assurance
• Partner‑level healthcare
• Opportunity to shape site performance and culture
• Work with talented, cross‑functional teams