Head of Operations Excellence (Lean)

Job Title : Head of Operations Excellence (Lean) Location Type : Remote - based in either UK, Italy, France or Germany

Website : Group :

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions is part of Spirax Group, a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multi-national industrial engineering Group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping, and associated fluid technologies.

When you join us, you will be integrated into a cooperative and encouraging team, participate in challenging yet critical work, and experience ongoing growth opportunities to help you achieve your full potential. Visit our website to learn more.

Job Summary :

We are seeking a talented and motivated Head of Operations Excellence (Lean) to join our dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities :

This role can be based in the UK, France, Italy, or Germany with circa 50% travel involved.

As Head of Operations Excellence (Lean), you will lead the strategy, execution, and cultural transformation of continuous improvement across our operations globally. This is a strategic and high-impact role, focused on driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and maximising value through Lean principles. You will transform processes while cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and sustainable improvement across all business units.

Key Accountabilities include :

• Develop and deliver a robust operational excellence strategy aligned with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Lead Lean transformation initiatives using methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 Thinking.
• Drive operational improvements to enhance productivity, reduce cycle times, improve quality, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Coach and develop cross-functional teams and frontline leaders in Lean tools to embed a sustainable continuous improvement culture.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption and alignment across production sites and support functions.
• Define metrics and KPIs to track performance, demonstrate ROI, and communicate progress to leadership.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, and Finance to integrate Lean into daily practices and strategies.
• Benchmark internal and external best practices, using insights to inform strategy and improve operational performance.
• Identify and prioritize improvement projects aligned with business priorities and measurable value.
• Advise senior leadership using data and insights to influence strategic decisions related to operations, investment, and resourcing.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements by embedding standard work, visual management, and daily management systems.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts (e.g., root cause analysis, DMAIC) to address operational issues.

Who you will be working with

In this senior leadership role, you will manage and provide strategic direction to the Head of Lean, ensuring alignment between operational excellence initiatives and broader business objectives. You will collaborate with :

• Executive leadership to shape and drive divisional strategy.
• General Managers and Production Leaders to identify and deliver site-specific improvements.
• Functional heads across Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and HR to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Frontline teams and Lean Champions to support local implementation and engagement.
• External experts or partners for benchmarking and best practice adoption.

Skills / Experience :

This is what you’ll need to be successful in this role

• A strong academic background with a degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field, or extensive experience in lieu of formal education.
• Significant experience in manufacturing operations and leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven success in driving complex, multi-site Lean transformations within manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent expertise.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Deep knowledge of Lean tools, principles, and strategies suited for manufacturing.
• Experience in process improvement transformation.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills to influence at all levels.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for root cause analysis and sustainable solutions.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

At Watson-Marlow, we believe in taking care of our colleagues. We offer a generous benefits package, including :

• Flexible working arrangements
• Life assurance
• Support through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan

Everyone is Included at Spirax Group

We foster inclusive, equitable cultures where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We value contributions from all backgrounds and identities and consider flexible working requests.

Additional benefits include support for pregnancy loss, domestic abuse, menopause, and more, through our Group Inclusion Commitments.

Learn more at our website.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Company Overview

At Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, part of Spirax Group, we innovate in manufacturing peristaltic pumps and fluid technologies for diverse industries, including food, pharma, power, semiconductors, and healthcare. We are committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive workplace where everyone can make a difference. Our technologies support critical industrial processes globally, serving customers in 116 countries. We are guided by our values to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.