Operational Excellence Manager

Operational Excellence Manager

Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom - Hybrid working approach

3 days onsite

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We're looking for a
Continuous Improvement professional
with deep
Lean Six Sigma
expertise to lead transformation initiatives across manufacturing and support functions. Based at our
Hemel Hempstead HQ
, this role is pivotal in improving
Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC)
— helping us achieve world-class performance in a precision-driven, highly regulated environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead and deliver
  cross-functional Lean Six Sigma projects
  to enhance process efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Conduct
  root cause analysis
  and use data-driven insights to prioritise and solve complex operational challenges.
• Facilitate
  Kaizen events, value stream mapping
  , and
  5S
  implementations across manufacturing and service areas.
• Collaborate with
  Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain
  , and
  Regulatory
  teams to ensure full compliance with
  TSA, ECAC, and ISO standards
  .
• Drive
  digital and Industry 4.0 initiatives
  to improve process visibility and control.
• Mentor and train teams across all levels to embed
  Lean and Continuous Improvement culture
  .
• Track and report
  KPI performance
  , lead governance reviews, and identify corrective actions.
• Act as a
  change agent
  , influencing leadership and teams to adopt new ways of working that improve efficiency and compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in
  Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management
  , or a related field.
• 10–12 years' experience
  in
  operational excellence
  within manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or defence.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (mandatory)
  —
  Black Belt or PMP
  preferred.
• Strong understanding of
  manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory frameworks
  .
• Hands-on experience with
  statistical analysis tools (e.g., Power BI)
  and
  ERP/MES systems
  .
• Proven track record of delivering
  measurable improvements
  in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Excellent
  influencing and stakeholder management skills
  , able to engage effectively across global, cross-functional teams.
• Data-driven, analytical, and proactive — with a passion for
  continuous improvement and innovation
  .

Additional Information

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)