Overview
Operational Excellence (OpEx) Expert – Europe
Location: Adaptable within Europe (manufacturing site proximity preferred)
Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries including food & beverage, manufacturing, and institutional services. Owned by Platinum Equity, our purpose is to protect assets, improve efficiency, and enable a cleaner, safer world.
As part of our continued European transformation, we are expanding our Operational Excellence (OpEx) capability and are seeking an OpEx Expert, Europe. This is a newly created, high-impact role focused on hands-on manufacturing improvement, continuous improvement, and cultural change across multiple European sites.
This role is ideal for a visible change leader who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys influencing at all levels, and is motivated by building scalable excellence in a growing, fast-evolving organisation.
Key Challenges & Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Lead and deliver manufacturing-focused operational excellence initiatives across European production sites.
- Drive cost-out, productivity, quality, and efficiency improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies.
- Act as a hands-on change agent, embedding OPEX thinking into daily operations rather than operating from an “ivory tower.”
Culture, Capability & Change
- Design and facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and structured improvement workshops.
- Coach and train teams at all levels in CI tools, problem-solving, and standard work.
- Build a sustainable continuous improvement culture with strong local ownership.
Standardisation, Digitalisation & Performance
- Support the deployment of standard work, 5S, and performance management routines across sites.
- Leverage data, dashboards, and digital manufacturing tools to track progress and validate savings.
- Partner closely with site leadership to ensure improvements are embedded and sustained.
Pan-European Stakeholder Influence
- Operate across multiple countries and cultures, working with shop-floor teams, plant leadership, and senior stakeholders.
- Clearly articulate the value of operational excellence to diverse audiences.
- Act as a trusted partner in the evolution of Solenis’ European manufacturing excellence model.
About You
- 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with strong exposure to operational excellence or continuous improvement.
- Background in chemical manufacturing, FMCG, or high-speed / B2C-oriented manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
- Proven experience leading workshops, improvement initiatives, and change programmes in live operations.
- Strong Lean / CI foundation (Lean Six Sigma certification is an advantage).
- High-energy, credible presence with the ability to influence without authority.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally and cross-culturally across Europe.
- Ambitious, growth-oriented mindset with potential to progress into future operations, supply chain, or site leadership roles.
- Willingness to travel across Europe (approximately 20%).
Why Solenis?
At Solenis, operational excellence is not a programme — it’s a mindset. By joining us, you will:
- Play a key role in shaping manufacturing excellence across Europe.
- Be part of a growing OpEx function with strong leadership commitment and visibility.
- Work in a purpose-driven organisation where sustainability, innovation, and impact go hand in hand.
- Gain exposure across multiple countries, sites, and leadership teams.
- Receive a competitive compensation package, hybrid working flexibility, and long-term career development opportunities.
Solenis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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