Operational Excellence Lead
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Job Description
Operational Excellence Lead driving continuous improvement across DS Smith’s packaging manufacturing sites. Deploying performance strategies, developing site capabilities, and delivering measurable productivity and cost improvements.
Responsibilities:
- Deploy the divisional Operational Performance strategy and roadmaps, ensuring alignment with Sub-Regional and site objectives while supporting implementation of the DSS Way
- Lead operational performance improvement initiatives across manufacturing sites using loss analysis, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision making
- Improve productivity, reduce cost and waste, and deliver measurable business benefits
- Develop operational excellence capability through training, coaching, and mentoring of site leaders, OPEX managers, and frontline teams
- Embed continuous improvement and accountability into site culture
- Implement and sustain performance management systems, including KPIs, tiered reviews, visual management, and escalation routines
- Partner with Technical Excellence and I&T to deploy digital operations solutions and leverage technology to enhance performance
- Facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and benchmarking across sites and regions
- Accelerate best-practice adoption and continuous improvement
Requirements:
- 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
- Extensive manufacturing experience, including operational excellence, continuous improvement, and leadership roles within the packaging industry
- Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, and service in complex manufacturing environments
- Strong leadership, coaching, and change management skills
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive cultural transformation at all levels
- Commercial awareness
- Excellent analytical, project management, facilitation, and communication skills
- Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives across operations, engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams
- Proficiency in operational performance tools and systems, including OEE, KPI dashboards, Power BI, and Lean methodologies (e.g., VSM, SMED, 5S, DMAIC, Kaizen, A3)
- Fluent in English
- Additional European language skills advantageous
- Minimum 60% travel required
- Located in one of the major DS Smith Operations Countries: Italy, UK, Iberia, Germany, France, Poland
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