Operational Excellence Manager

1 month ago

Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom GBS Global Applied Knowledge Full time
Operational Excellence Manager

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Operational Excellence Manager to drive our efforts in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness within the higher education sector.

This is a full-time on-site role that requires close collaboration with both academic and administrative departments to foster a culture of operational excellence that enhances the student and staff experience, streamlines processes, and promotes institutional excellence.

As the Operational Excellence Manager, you will lead the operational excellence function within the organisation and play a key role within the wider Business Improvement Unit (BIU). This includes managing a team and driving the development, implementation, and monitoring of operational excellence strategies that align with the organisation's goals and the evolving needs of higher education.

Main Responsibilities
  • Lead and execute operational excellence initiatives across academic and administrative units, focusing on driving efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and elevating the student experience.
  • Apply light-touch methodologies (e.g., Lean, Agile, Kaizen) tailored to the specific needs of a higher education environment to streamline processes and reduce waste.
  • Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities that directly impact student outcomes and organisational success.
  • Facilitate workshops, meetings, and discussions with staff to foster a culture of operational excellence across all campuses.
  • Support the Head of BIU to promote an ongoing mindset of innovation and efficiency, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and strategic objectives.
  • Regularly assess the impact of operational excellence projects, providing data-driven insights and feedback to stakeholders.
  • Create, maintain, and present documentation, progress reports, and case studies on operational excellence initiatives.
  • Advocate for and implement best practices in higher education operational excellence, ensuring compliance with sector regulations and quality standards.
  • Mentor and support staff in developing their operational excellence competencies, enhancing the organisation's overall capability for sustained progress.
  • Champion a culture of quality and excellence, ensuring that all initiatives are student-centered and contribute to an exceptional campus experience.
  • Lead the team in applying sensitivity and discretion when handling confidential or complex issues, ensuring these are escalated appropriately.
  • Oversee the day-to-day performance of the CI team, assigning tasks based on individual strengths and providing regular feedback through 1:1 meetings.
  • Communicate project statuses, challenges, and successes to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment with institutional goals.
  • Ensure all improvement initiatives meet regulatory requirements and higher education industry standards, maintaining a high standard of compliance and quality.
  • Promote a positive, collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and the sharing of best practices across departments.
Requirements
  • Education to degree level.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience leading operational excellence efforts, with proven success in applying light-touch methodologies.
  • Extensive experience working in higher education, with a deep understanding of the operational and academic structures within a university environment.
  • Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence initiatives that result in measurable gains in efficiency, service quality, and student/staff satisfaction.
  • Understanding of operational excellence methodologies such as Lean, Agile, Kaizen, or Six Sigma.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire academic, administrative, and managerial staff across various departments.
  • Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify key opportunities for improvement.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects within a higher education context.
  • Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic higher education setting.
  • Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
  • Proven ability to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) within a university setting.
Other Information

The Operational Excellence Manager will also be expected to demonstrate their commitment:

  • To GBS values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.
  • The GBS's Social, Economic, and Environmental responsibilities and minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of GBS's Environmental Policy.
  • To their Health and Safety responsibilities to ensure their contribution to a safe and secure working environment for staff, students, and other visitors to the campus.
  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned.

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