Operational Excellence Manager (OEM) – Dual Site

Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager 

Middlesbrough – Dual Site Role

Salary £60,000 – £65,000 (DOE)

The Opportunity:

As a catalyst for transformation, this role is pivotal in driving the two site's strategic improvement agenda—working hand-in-hand with the leadership team to identify, quantify, and prioritise initiatives that deliver maximum impact. Acting as a leading change agent, you will challenge the status quo to uncover and close performance gaps across operational efficiency, capacity utilisation, waste reduction, quality, and safety.

You will champion a culture of Operational Excellence, embedding continuous improvement through hands-on coaching, facilitation, and capability-building across all levels of the organisation. From concept to completion, you will lead critical projects with precision—ensuring timely, cost-effective, and specification-compliant delivery, all while upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.

What you will be doing:

• Shape the Future of Operational Excellence  Lead the annual diagnostic cycle to craft a bottom-up OpEx budget that reflects real opportunities for transformation and delivers measurable impact.

• Be a Strategic Partner in Manufacturing Innovation  Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to uncover improvement opportunities using data-driven insights, hands-on process observation, and proven industry best practices—then translate them into actionable flight plans that drive results.

• Turn Data into Direction  Provide analytical horsepower to map current performance, establish baselines, and spotlight operational pain points—laying the foundation for targeted, high-value change.

• Drive Project Success with Precision  Apply robust project governance principles to ensure initiatives stay on track, on budget, and deliver the promised benefits—while keeping stakeholders informed every step of the way.

• Lead with Influence Across Functions  Champion and guide cross-functional, multi-skilled teams to deliver complex projects with confidence, clarity, and collaboration.

• Leverage Expertise for Impact  Use your deep knowledge of industry trends, equipment, products, and project management to navigate challenges and unlock value across the organisation.

• Make Data Digestible and Actionable  Transform raw data into clear, compelling insights that empower decision-making and accelerate change.

• Coach for Capability and Culture  Mentor and develop Compleat Food colleagues—from shop floor to senior management—building a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Upskill in Lean Thinking  Deliver hands-on training in lean manufacturing principles, tools, and techniques to embed efficiency and eliminate waste at every level.

• Elevate Performance Management  Facilitate and support the rollout of a tiered Performance Management system, ensuring alignment, accountability, and momentum across the site.

What's in it for you:

The Compleat Food Group are on a mission to create great tasting food that people love to eat and are the UK's fastest growing chilled food manufacturing business.  Our 6000+ fantastic people across our 17 sites are what set us apart. We value our people and can offer the career progression and learning opportunities as you would expect in a business of this size. Our career development plans offer potential candidates ample opportunities to really make the role your own, progress and further develop your career with us. 

Benefits to Include:

• Car Allowance or Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 33 Days annual leave with option buy more
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme 
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

Who we are looking for:

Qualifications & Education

• Certified in Operational Excellence methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, Lean, or Toyota Production System (TPS)—bringing structured thinking and proven tools to drive transformation.

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent vocational qualification (HNC/HND) or Apprenticeship, demonstrating strong technical grounding and practical expertise.

Experience

• Brings over 5 years of hands-on experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments (ideally food manufacturing), with a track record of delivering tangible improvements.

• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams to execute high-impact continuous improvement projects—embedding a culture of Operational Excellence and delivering measurable business results.

• Skilled coach and facilitator, with the ability to inspire, develop, and empower teams at all levels to embrace change and drive performance.

• Financially savvy, with the capability to assess and articulate the monetary value of initiatives—ensuring every improvement is both operationally sound and commercially compelling.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you to progress your career and further develop your skills in Continuous Improvement / operational excellence – please apply with your CV asap. Interviews initially held on teams, then a site visit face to face.

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.