Regional OPEX Manager Location: Golborne-based with travel across UK sites
Salary: £50,000 £57,000 Car Allowance (£6,000) Fuel Expenses Annual Bonus (up to 10%)
The Regional OPEX Manager is responsible for driving Operational Excellence across multiple UK manufacturing plants. This role will play a pivotal part in delivering continuous improvement initiatives, implementing lean methodologies, and executing the organisations structured operational excellence strategy to improve performance, reduce waste, and enhance team capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support the implementation of the organisations OPEX strategy and tools across UK manufacturing sites.
Develop, coordinate, and monitor site-specific implementation plans, taking corrective action as needed.
Facilitate and lead Lean improvement events such as Kaizen and SMED workshops.
Ensure all improvement projects stay on track and support sites in quantifying cost savings and performance gains.
Monitor key strategic KPIs (e.g., OPEX Index, eMIS 2.0) and analyse plant performance data.
Prepare performance reports for management and support monthly review meetings.
Support functional process owners in rolling out new tools and delivering site-level improvement projects.
Ensure the sustained use and effectiveness of lean tools and systems post-implementation.
Ensure standards such as Business Process Mapping and CTO are implemented consistently.
Deliver training sessions on OPEX methodologies and continuous improvement tools.
Conduct periodic Operational Excellence Assessments at each site.
Support implementation of CTO systems across all sites.
Carry out additional tasks or responsibilities aligned with the purpose of the role as directed by line management.
Experience Required
Proven experience delivering structured improvement programs in high-volume manufacturing (preferably plastic packaging or similar).
Practical experience using Lean tools such as VSM, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and structured problem-solving.
Skilled in training and developing cross-functional teams in continuous improvement methods.
Strong stakeholder communication and engagement planning experience.
Demonstrated ability to involve and engage teams across multiple sites.
Line management experience with the ability to coach and mentor.
Strong capability in data analysis and operations controlling.
Qualifications & Skills
Degree or equivalent in a relevant technical, engineering, or business discipline.
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent (preferred).
Advanced Microsoft Excel and general IT skills.
Effective leadership and communication abilities across all levels of an organisation.
Skilled in root-cause and improvement techniques (5WHY, A3, 8D).
Project or programme management experience.
IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH Certificate (desirable).
Train the Trainer qualification and intranet publishing experience (preferred).
Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities
The role requires full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations. The postholder must follow safe work practices, attend relevant training, and ensure they protect themselves and others while performing their duties. Regular refresher courses and assessments (e.g., manual handling, fire safety, DSE) will be required.
Food Safety Responsibilities
As part of operations at a food-grade manufacturing facility, the postholder is responsible for adhering to hygiene and food safety standards in line with FSSC22000. Any incidents involving pests, hygiene breaches, or product concerns must be reported immediately.
Compensation & Benefits
Car Allowance: £6,000 per annum fuel expenses
Annual Bonus Scheme: Up to 10%
Company Pension: 6% employer contribution
25 Days Annual Leave Bank Holidays
Christmas Vouchers (for employee and children)
Long Service Recognition Awards
UK Plant Locations
This role requires travel across the following UK manufacturing sites:
London
Aylesbury
Milton Keynes
Bridgwater
Droitwich
Port Sunlight (Wirral)
Mansfield
Golborne (Primary Base)
If you are interested, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to be part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation.
INDMAN
Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, unfortunately, we are not able to respond to every application personally, therefore, if you have not heard back from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. To see our other available vacancies please visit our website.
TPBN1_UKTJ