Job Description

Operational Excellence Lead

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Operational Excellence Lead to join our team in Middlesbrough.


At The Compleat Food Group we're on a mission to create tasting food that's better for people and the planet, we call it 'Food to Feel Good'.We pride ourselves on being a business that gives equal emphasis to HOW we operate as well as the financial results we achieve.


Our 5,500 (and growing) fantastic people are what make this possible. They are passionate about creating delicious products for UK consumers, leading retailers and our exciting, market leading brands, which include Wall's Pastry, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean and Unearthed.



The Site Operational Excellence Lead will act as a key change agent, driving the identification and closure of performance gaps in efficiency, utility consumption, waste, quality, and safety across the site.


This role is responsible for embedding a culture of continuous improvement (CI) by developing the capability of individuals and teams at all levels, ensuring sustained delivery of improvement initiatives aligned to site and divisional strategic goals. You will lead and facilitate improvement projects from conception through to implementation, ensuring delivery against agreed Safety, time, cost, and quality parameters, while fostering standardised, data-driven processes across the site.

Location:

Middlesbrough

Shifts:

Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5pm with an early finish on Fridays!

Salary:

45,000 per annum

Key duties and responsibilities:

Deploy and champion the company's Operational Excellence Maturity Assessment within your site. Collaborate with operational teams to identify, prioritise, and execute improvement opportunities using data analysis, process observation, and industry best practice. Establish current state performance, capture key metrics, and develop project flight plans to close identified gaps. Apply structured project governance, including regular reporting on progress and benefit realization for site MPPs. Facilitate and lead cross-functional teams to deliver improvement outcomes. Leverage knowledge of equipment, processes, and systems to enable the successful delivery of complex site initiatives. Gather and present data effectively to drive decision-making and facilitate change. Coach and mentor colleagues in lean principles and CI tools, including:
+ 5 Whys
+ PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
+ Value Stream Mapping
+ 5S Workplace Organisation
Enable sustainable capability by embedding CI knowledge within teams. Deliver hands-on support to initiatives as required, working both independently and as part of broader teams. Provide analytic support to enable an understanding of Current state, baseline performance and capture existing issues.

KPIs/Objectives:

While site leadership holds accountability for KPI performance, this role will focus on enabling and accelerating improvement by delivering the following:

Staff development: To be agreed on induction to the business with Div OpEx and Site GM.
+ X number of colleagues trained to Level 3 (See Learn Do framework).
Project delivery:
+ X CI projects completed per annum.
+ Y in value delivered through site-level MPP (Manufacturing Productivity & Improvement Plan) initiatives.
Events and training:
+ Kaizen events facilitated.
+ CI capability-building sessions delivered across functions.
Improvement of Site Operational Excellence maturity from level 1 to level 3 in FY26. Ensure basics of 5S workplace organisation are in place and visual management to demonstrate performance at a glance Support site in development of Standard work, SOPs, OPLs and Skills matrices, Line maps, core manning and centre lining Supported improvement of KPI delivery across manufacturing in: Overall Equipment Effectiveness through data analysis and focused improvement Improving Right First Time (target 100%) Implement Waste and defect data capture to reduce in process waste and improve customer quality.

Scope/Scale:

Lead delivery of site strategic improvement goals through direct influence and cross-functional collaboration. Prioritise and align CI initiatives to optimise resource usage and impact. Contribute to developing a CI culture with resilience, focus, and a structured approach to problem-solving. Identify opportunities for cost reduction, quality improvement, and enhanced operational performance. Demonstrate integrity and influence to build strong, respectful relationships across all levels. Confidently manage and present data using Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant CI toolsets.

Areas of data collection and management:

PIP Plan OEE Delivery/Line Vision Cost per unit production Consistent approach through process CI/Xmas reviews Reconciliation sheet

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

Ideally a Formal qualification in Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, or equivalent CI methodology Minimum HNC/HND, relevant degree, or completed apprenticeship in an operational discipline 4-7 years of relevant experience within manufacturing, supply chain, or transactional environments Proven track record in delivering CI projects and leading cross-functional teams Experience coaching and mentoring team members to build sustainable CI capability

Desirable:

Green or Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma Project management experience or training

Technical Skills & Competencies

Proficient in Continuous Improvement methodologies and tools Strong facilitation skills with the ability to influence without authority Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities Competent in value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and standard work development Advanced IT skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and process mapping tools

Benefits:

33 Days annual leave 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


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.

Recruitment Agencies:

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.


If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to recruitment@compleatfood.com and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.