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Operational Excellence Manager

Derby, England, United Kingdom

About The Team:

The Operational Excellence Manager sits within the UK OPEX & Transformation team and takes ownership of our most complex, high-impact programmes - driving the commercial strategy, delivery, and continuous improvement of production technologies, processes, and business propositions across HelloFresh distribution centres in the UK, IE & EU markets. This is not a role where you wait for problems to be defined for you. You spot them, size them, build the case, and lead the charge to fix them.

This is a senior, project-led role for someone who operates with real autonomy across the full transformation lifecycle - from scoping and commercial analysis through to hands-on delivery and lasting adoption on the floor. You will lead multiple medium-to-large scale improvement projects simultaneously, applying rigorous project management and Lean CI methodology to drive measurable results. You'll build the case for change and then see it through yourself, with a relentless focus on the metrics that matter most: Error Rate, Minutes per Box, and productivity.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • End-to-End Programme Delivery: Take full ownership of multiple medium-to-large scale projects simultaneously - defining scope, milestones, resource requirements, and success measures, and driving them from initiation through to on-floor implementation on time and within budget.
  • Data Analysis & Opportunity Sizing: Analyse complex operational data using tools like Excel, Databricks, Grafana, Tableau, or SQL, translating findings into commercially grounded business decisions, identifying and validating improvement opportunities through financial modelling, and building the investment case to drive prioritisation decisions with senior stakeholders.
  • Stakeholder Management & Influence: Deploy effective influencing and negotiation skills to align cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders around project objectives, securing resources and buy-in at every level - from shop floor to leadership.
  • Project Governance: Maintain strict quality and change control standards while proactively mitigating risks to keep programs on track and stakeholders informed.
  • Change Management & Floor Presence: Maintain a strong, visible presence on the production floor to drive change initiatives, build trust with operational teams, and ensure the sustainable adoption of new processes and technologies.
  • Continuous Improvement: Lead projects utilising Lean Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, resolve bottlenecks, and build a sustained culture of continuous improvement across the DC.
  • Standardisation & Capability Building: Drive operational standards through clear SOPs, process documentation, and hands-on coaching - developing the CI capability of onsite teams and supporting junior team members in their own project delivery.

Who You Are:

Education & Experience

  • Degree: At least a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or a technical discipline
  • Experience: 3–5 years of relevant experience in Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, Process Optimization, or High-Volume Fulfillment, ideally within a FMCG, food manufacturing industry.
  • Track Record: Proven experience successfully leading end-to-end, medium-to-large process optimization and cost-saving initiatives across multiple functions.

Technical Skills

  • Lean & Continuous Improvement: Deep expertise in process optimization frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, Project Management); Green Belt certification or equivalent practical capability essential.
  • Analytics & Systems: Strong proficiency in data analytics tools (Excel, SQL, Google Sheets), AI tools and hands-on familiarity with WMS/WCS environments.
  • Commercial & Financial Modelling: Ability to build and present robust business cases, translating quantitative analysis into clear commercial narratives for senior leadership.

Core Competencies

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to lead project teams and mentor junior team members without needing formal direct reporting lines.
  • Roll-up-Your-Sleeves Attitude: You have a passion for combining analytical thinking with hands-on, real-time problem solving on a fast-paced production floor.
  • Stakeholder Influence & Communication: You translate complex operational data into clear, compelling commercial narratives, easily bridging the communication gap between shop-floor teams and site leadership.
  • Organization: You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously.
  • Low ego, high ownership: You'll get your hands dirty on the floor as readily as you'll present to senior leadership. 
  • Resilient under pressure: DC environments are fast-moving; you adapt without losing rigour,  learn quickly and don't wait for perfect information.

What you will get in return:

● 70% off HelloFresh or Green Chef boxes
● Company pension scheme
● Gym membership
● Bupa private medical insurance (including dental & family cover options)
● Mental health first aiders and an employee assistance programme
● Nursery support scheme
● Cycle to work scheme
● Group Life Assurance

Location: The Windmill SIte, SmartParc, Holme Lane, Derby, DE21 7HW

To be considered for this role, you’ll need to have the independent right to work in the UK, as we're unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

Hybrid Working Policy
We offer a hybrid working policy for eligible roles, allowing flexibility to work from home and in the office. For more details on eligibility and how this applies to the role you're applying for, please consult with your recruiter.

Next steps: Your application will be reviewed and if successful, a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch within 2 weeks.

You are required to cooperate with HelloFresh in all health and safety matters. You are responsible for ensuring you take reasonable care of your own health, and safety as well as others who may be affected by the work activities you undertake. You must report incidents immediately and actively raise health and safety-related concerns to your Line Manager. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, we will process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to the successful individual. Failure to disclose relevant information at application or throughout the process could affect your employment with the company. 

If you are currently a HelloFresh employee, please make sure you have discussed your application with your Line Manager.

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