Head of centre of excellence

Head of Centre of Excellence (CoE)


Global Role | Manufacturing & Operational Excellence


📍Global role

🌍 Based out of the UK, France or Netherlands

✈️ 50% European travel to other client sites


We are seeking an accomplished Head of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for a global food/ consumer goods manufacturing client. This role will lead and evolve a global function spanning Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Operational Excellence (OPEX), Packaging, OT and Change Management Excellence.


This is a senior, high-impact leadership role with global scope, responsible for shaping strategy, driving execution and delivering measurable value across manufacturing and supply chain operations.


The Role:


As Head of CoE, you will design and deliver the CoE strategy in line with divisional objectives, ensuring best‑in‑class practices, strong governance, and tangible business benefits. You will act as a key bridge between the CoEs and senior divisional leadership across Operations and Commercial teams.


Leading a global organisation of approximately 12 direct reports, you will be accountable for optimising resources, managing budgets, steering strategic initiatives, and embedding continuous improvement at scale.


Key Responsibilities:


People Leadership

* Lead, develop and inspire global and regional CoE leaders
* Build robust succession plans and talent pipelines in partnership with HR
* Align objectives, performance management and development plans with divisional goals

Budget & Value Management

* Own and manage the CoE expense budget, including planning, monitoring and optimisation
* Ensure delivery of CoE value cases, identifying risks and driving corrective actions where required

Operational Excellence & Performance

* Define and embed engineering, industrialisation and continuous improvement best practices
* Benchmark against industry standards and introduce innovative approaches
* Actively participate in improvement initiatives through hands-on engagement

Strategy, Governance & Stakeholder Management

* Co-create and align a 3–5 year strategic roadmap covering investments, resources and value creation
* Expand the CoE value proposition and service catalogue, integrating cross-functional processes
* Represent the CoEs in senior governance forums and strategic discussions
* Steer execution of major strategic projects across global and divisional environments


About You:


Experience & Background

* 20+ years’ experience in manufacturing operations and/or supply chain
* 8–12 years’ experience leading large, complex organisations
* Proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation and operational excellence

Education

* MBA or Master’s degree in Engineering or Science (preferred)

Skills & Expertise

* Deep knowledge of World Class Manufacturing, LEAN and Six Sigma
* Strong understanding of product industrialisation and process/system redesign
* Solid financial acumen across CAPEX and OPEX
* Fluent business English (written and verbal)

Leadership Competencies

* Strategic and visionary mindset
* Strong results orientation and customer focus
* Ability to manage ambiguity and balance multiple stakeholders
* Inspires purpose, drives performance and builds alignment at senior levels