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Operational Excellence Manager

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At Nutreco, passionate and curious experts with diverse backgrounds unite to Feed the Future. Our unique mindsets and drive push us forward, creating a place where you can own your growth, contribute more, and belong.

Operational Excellence Manager

Manufacturing

  • Ashbourne, Derbyshire
  • Manufacturing
  • Full time

Operational Excellence Manager

Job Description

Join Our Purpose – Feeding the Future

Nutreco is a member of the SHV family, and we are committed to 'Feeding the Future' through sustainable and innovative practices. Nutreco has two business lines: Skretting is a leading global provider of innovative aquafeed solutions, revolutionizing aquaculture for a sustainable future. Trouw Nutrition specializes in animal nutrition and is committed to advancing livestock health and productivity through cutting-edge solutions.

Are you passionate about driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment? Join Trouw Nutrition GB as an Operational Excellence Manager at our Ashbourne site. In this role, you will lead improvement initiatives, implement best practices, and support the site team to embed a culture of operational excellence.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Trouw Nutrition’s operational efficiency, support a growing team, and make a tangible impact on both business results and customer satisfaction.
 

About the Role – Drive Continuous Improvement and Efficiency
Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute the Operational Excellence masterplan for the Ashbourne site

  • Identify and deliver process improvements and cost-saving initiatives

  • Engage teams on Lean and continuous improvement practices, fostering a culture of operational excellence

  • Conduct diagnostics and assessments to identify opportunities aligned with business priorities.

  • Own the Operational Excellence projects end-to-end, from planning to implementation and follow-up

  • Collaborate with customers to optimize supply chain efficiency and deliver mutual benefits.

  • Analyse performance data, generate insights, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.

  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including Operations, Customer Service, and Planning, to ensure initiatives align with business goals.

  • Report progress and contribute to long-term operational strategies


Skills and Expertise
Qualifications and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field.

  • 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement.

  • Proven track record in driving Lean, Operational Excellence, or process optimization initiatives.

  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data sets into actionable insights.

  • Hands-on experience with improvement tools such as 5S, TPM, or Value Stream Mapping are desirable

  • Lean certification preferred; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is an advantage.

  • Experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Soft skills: analytical and solutions-oriented, commercially aware, with strong communication. Resilient, adaptable, and proactive, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
     

Other Requirements:

  • Availability for occasional travel within Great Britain and Europe

  • Work model: On-site, full-time (Ashbourne, UK)
     

Why You Will Love Working with Us
Global Benefits:

  • Full-time role in a supportive and dynamic environment

  • Opportunity to contribute to an international, dynamic environment

  • Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

  • Opportunities for professional growth within Nutreco and the SHV family
     

Next Steps:
We value a seamless candidate experience and aim to respond within five (5) business days. The hiring process typically takes 4–6 weeks. For more information, please contact Luisa Ligabo at luisa.ligabo@nutreco.com. We appreciate your interest in joining our mission to innovate and sustainably shape the future of food production

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Now you’ve submitted your application, these are the
next steps towards Owning your career with Nutreco.

1

Your application

If you’re interested in joining us, then complete an application, which will ask you to share information about yourself and your academic and work experience. We'll review your application and be in touch as soon as possible.

2

Telephone conversation

If your application has impressed us, HR will arrange a telephone call with you to find out more about your background and experience.

3

Second interview

If our telephone conversation proves you could be a great fit, we’ll be in touch to arrange a second interview. On this, we’ll discuss your background and how you can contribute to the team. You could even have a chat with your potential new manager and team colleagues.

4

Review period

If we believe your understanding of the role and passion for our purpose stands out, we’ll contact you soon, to share with you our final decision. Your patience is appreciated at this point.

5

Hiring decision

Once we’ve made our decision, we’ll be in touch to let you know the outcome.
 

6

Welcome to the team

If you’ve been successful then, welcome to the team. You can now look forward to Owning your career at Nutreco. as you grow, develop and help to Feed the Future for generations to come. 

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Own your potential

If you have a question or need any help or career advice, please mail me and I’ll get back to you.

If you have a question or need any help or career advice, please mail me and I’ll get back to you.

Luisa Ligabò

Mail me
Luisa Ligabò

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