Operational Excellence Director, Packaging

We’re seeking a visionary and experienced leader to take on the role of Operational Excellence Director within our Packaging Division. This is a high-impact opportunity to provide strategic leadership across the Packaging division, driving performance, compliance, and capability development across Quality, Product Safety, Continuous Improvement and Data & Insight functions. You’ll lead the creation of a standardised operating model, embed governance frameworks, and deliver measurable improvements in service, quality, and cost.
 

Why this role matters

The role acts as both a functional lead and business partner, tailoring approaches to the specific maturity, challenges, and growth ambitions of each Sub-Region.
 

Through insight generation, standardisation, and performance enablement, the Operational Excellence Director drives sustainable improvements in service, quality, cost, and compliance. The position is central to building functional capability, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, and enabling long-term operational competitiveness.

Responsibilities

Key Focus Areas

• Strategic Leadership: Align divisional Quality, Product Safety, Continuous Improvement and Data & Insight under one coordinated strategy.
• Performance & Insight: Analyse operational data to identify systemic gaps and shape improvement priorities.
• Governance & Compliance: Establish frameworks aligned with ISO, BRCGS, REACH, and other standards.
• Capability Development: Build and coach high-performing functional teams across the division and the sub-regions. Drive a culture of learning, accountability, and empowerment across Quality, Product Safety, and Continuous Improvement functions
• Transformation Enablement: Support capital investment, footprint optimisation, and digital transformation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with Divisional, Sub-Regional, and Group stakeholders to ensure alignment and influence in key initiatives.

Success Looks Like

• Delivery of the Operational Excellence strategy and roadmap milestones.
• YoY improvement in key KPIs (OEE, CoPQ, OTIF), including 20% productivity uplift by 2030.
• ≥ 80% of sites scoring “Established” or higher in functional maturity.
•  90% completion of capability assessments and training plans.
• 100% compliance across all applicable standards and certifications.

What You’Ll Bring

• 15+ years in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain leadership, with divisional-level experience.
• Degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical discipline. Master’s degree or MBA desirable.
• Qualifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent preferred.
• Proven success in integrating Quality, CI, and Product Safety into a unified performance model.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to generate actionable insights.
• Deep knowledge of Lean, QMS, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing KPIs.
• Credible leadership and stakeholder engagement across a matrixed organisation.
• Experience in packaging, FMCG, or regulated industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Location: London, Paddington