Site Operational Excellence Lead

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross - Site Operational Excellence Lead

Huddersfield | United Kingdom (GB) | Full-time | Permanent

We’re seeking a Site Operational Excellence Lead to drive continuous improvement, lead key projects, and boost site performance. If you’re skilled at delivering results and inspiring teams to excel, this is the role for you.

How You Will Make An Impact:

• Identify, prioritize, and manage improvement initiatives aligned with site objectives, driving measurable gains in productivity, supply performance, quality, and COGS reduction.
• Lead and execute multiple projects using Operational Excellence (OpEx) methodologies, ensuring timely delivery of project charter deliverables and that each project meets or exceeds targets.
• Coach and mentor project teams and OpEx-trained associates, contributing to site capability development performance versus plan and increasing the percentage of staff trained in Continuous Improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the site, supporting the Lean Manufacturing site certification program per yearly plan and embedding the STADA Production System (SPS).
• Serve as a subject matter expert in root cause analysis and sustainable problem-solving, linking OpEx work to reduction in deviations, variability, and rework.
• Foster end-to-end process thinking and standardize problem-solving practices, supporting achievement of site KPIs and OpEx program timelines.
• Promote and facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange across the global network to increase idea generation and realization metrics.
• Support and engage the Site Leadership Team (SLT) in continuous improvement planning, progress tracking, and project execution accountability.
• Deliver customized OpEx training to associates, project teams, and leadership, tracking impact via staff training KPIs and project implementation per 100 FTE.
• Partner with operational managers to develop and mentor future Operational Excellence leaders, ensuring progress is reflected in individual development plans and overall capability growth
  
  

What We Are Looking For:

• University degree in social sciences, technical, business, science, or medicine disciplines.
• Additional training or certification in Change Management, Communication, Project Management/Coaching, Six Sigma, Lean, or related Operational Excellence fields.
• Proven track record of successfully managing major change initiatives in complex environments.
• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity with experience in continuous improvement programs.
• Ability to effectively network and communicate with top management across various functions.
• Solid cross-functional knowledge of STADA business operations and processes.
• Good understanding of medicine manufacturing principles and GMP compliance in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficient in applying foundational and strategic Operational Excellence tools and methodologies.
• Comfortable engaging with all levels, from shopfloor employees to senior leaders.
• Experienced in identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives, with the ability to train, coach, and mentor others.
  
  

How We Care For You:

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

Competitive salary, car allowance and annual bonus scheme.

Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 8% employer contribution rates.

Hybrid working – we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.

On-site subsidised canteen.

Health benefits provided through Vitality Private Medical Insurance.

Free winter flu jab.

Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.

Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on-site EV charging.

Cycle to Work Scheme.

Enhanced Family Leave.

Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.