Operational Excellence Manager

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.

As the site’s Operational Excellence Manager, you will lead the deployment of Operational Excellence at the Hemel site, driving sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people engagement (SPQDC).

The role is accountable for embedding Lean and Six Sigma practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and enabling site leadership teams to achieve breakthrough performance. While primarily site-based, the role will align with global OPEX strategies to ensure consistency and best-practice sharing

What You’ll Do

• Define and sustain the Hemel site’s Operational Excellence roadmap, including the development of a Lean/CI framework that embeds leadership, problem-solving, and cultural excellence.

• Contribute to OPEX global community by sharing learnings and adopting best practices.

• Embed Daily Management Systems, Leader Standard Work, and Visual Management in Operations and, (in case requested) across the site.

• Lead cross-functional projects and deploy structured problem-solving methodologies that improve customer delivery performance, product quality, and cost competitiveness.

• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and structured problem-solving workshops to address key factory challenges.

• Champion Lean, sustainability, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to increase process visibility, eliminate waste, reduce environmental impact, and improve efficiency.

• Influence and coach senior OPS leaders to role-model continuous improvement behaviours and sustain long-term cultural change.

• Track and report KPI performance, lead governance reviews, and identify corrective actions.

• Lead PFMEA, 7 QC tools, and error-proofing (Poka Yoke) initiatives to strengthen quality and reliability.

• 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.

• Deep knowledge of Lean Management Systems structured problem-solving, and cultural change deployment.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory frameworks.

• Strong facilitation, coaching, and influencing skills to engage cross-functional teams and site leadership.

• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization (Power BI, Minitab, Excel), ERP/MES familiarity.

• Proven track record of leading OPS wide Lean transformations with measurable business and customer impact.

• 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.

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)