Manager Operational Excellence

About the role

As the Manager Operational Excellence, you will lead the deployment and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies throughout the plant. This strategic role involves identifying, prioritising, and executing initiatives that enhance productivity, efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve cost savings. You will drive operational excellence programmes aimed at improving safety standards, product quality, timely delivery, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), thereby ensuring that the plant operates at peak performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, optimize processes, and deliver sustainable business results
• Coach and develop teams, leading capability-building programs in continuous improvement tools and structured problem-solving techniques
• Partner with stakeholders across Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other support functions
• Facilitate kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and cross-functional projects that promote collaboration and innovation
• Analyse operational performance data to uncover opportunities for improvement and rigorously track the outcomes of implemented changes
• Drive initiatives that improve safety standards, product quality, timely delivery, and overall equipment effectiveness
• Promote accountability, innovation, and an ongoing commitment to excellence as a change agent and cultural champion
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by coaching and developing teams across multiple departments

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a closely related field
• Substantial experience in driving operational excellence and Lean transformations within a manufacturing setting
• Expertise in established methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and Kaizen
• Strong analytical capabilities and project management proficiency
• Adeptness at stakeholder engagement across various organizational levels
• Successful leadership in productivity enhancement, cost optimisation, and organisational capability-building initiatives
• Strong communication and coaching skills
• Experience in change management
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) is highly advantageous

About us

Alaska Milk Corporation is a world-class manufacturing organization with a Global Supply Chain division. We believe our people are our greatest asset. We provide a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, teamwork, and professional growth are encouraged and supported. We are committed to maintaining our competitive edge by continuously enhancing operational capabilities and embedding a mindset of continuous improvement at every level.

Benefits

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, teamwork, and professional growth are encouraged and supported
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities designed to enhance your skills and career trajectory
• Competitive remuneration and benefits packages aligned with industry standards