Performance Improvement Lead
Oban as Home Base with accommodation provided with Travel to Elgin
Dayshift
A highly competitive salary package and benefits, with accommodation provided
Nine Twenty Engineering & Manufacturing are proud to announce we are working in Partnership with DIAGEO who are looking for a talented Performance Improvement Lead to join their Oban Distillery being their Primary Home with Travel to Elgin Maltings to support in their reliability facilitation. This is a senior role and you will work as part of the Management team and support in the absence of the Duty Manager.
We are seeking a dynamic and adaptable individual with experience in health & safety (IOSH or NEBOSH), ideally from hazardous industries such as chemical process, distilling, oil & gas, dust environments, quarries, maltings or similar. The candidate should be comfortable working within a team, making production decisions, and managing 24/7 on-call duty one week in every three.
The role requires a strong focus on reliability and asset care, with experience in permit writing/sign-off (hot work, confined spaces, working at height) and ATEX zone/explosive atmospheres. Candidates must be flexible enough to travel regularly between Oban and Elgin, with a preference for those willing to relocate to Oban and become part of the local community. Experience in chemical engineering or a willingness to learn about malt distilling is desirable.
Diageo are a world-renowned beverage manufacturer that produces iconic brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Baileys. As part of their Supply Team, you will play a key role in driving business performance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across multiple distillery sites.
About the Role:
This dynamic role requires flexibility, as you will primarily be based in Oban, with regular travel to Elgin. You will support the Elgin Maltings with reliability improvements while conducting performance analysis and on-call duties from Oban. Your leadership will be key to ensuring site stability, improving operational performance, and fostering a sense of community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Operational Excellence: Work closely with Site Operations Managers (SOMs) and Business Leaders to drive results in Health & Safety, Compliance, Production, Financials, Asset Care, and continuous improvement.
- Loss & Waste Analysis: Identify and execute strategies to minimize loss and waste, utilising Six Sigma and Lean methodologies.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coach multidisciplinary teams on troubleshooting tools, Management Excellence (ManEx), and DMAIC methodology to deliver significant improvement projects.
- Site Management: Serve as the Duty Manager in Oban, providing 24/7 on-call support one week in every three. Lead efforts to enhance operational reliability in both Oban and Elgin.
- Project Management: Drive CapEx projects, asset care initiatives, and process improvements to enhance plant efficiency, ensuring seamless execution during silent seasons.
- Data-Driven Improvements: Analyse performance data to identify opportunities for cost-saving, performance optimization, and waste reduction. Engage in Tier 1 & Tier 2 business plans, providing actionable insights.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety protocols, especially in complex and challenging environments like distilleries, with a focus on maintaining high standards.
Experience required:
- Proven track record in leading operations or improvement initiatives, ideally within a manufacturing or distillery environment.
- At least IOSH qualified or NEBOSH qualified or willingness to work towards NEBOSH certification, with strong experience in maintaining safe working environments.
- Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt certification preferred, with strong understanding of Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC, and PDCA methodologies.
- Ability to leverage data to drive performance improvements and implement innovative solutions.
- Willingness to travel regularly between Oban and Elgin, with occasional hotel stays, and commit to the Oban community long-term.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of influencing teams and cross-functional partners.
- : Solid understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and project management to deliver cost-effective improvements.
In return:
- An excellent opportunity to work with a global leader in the drinks industry and become part of a vibrant local community in Oban.
- A highly competitive salary package and benefits, with accommodations & expenses provided.
- Flexible working patterns with early finishes on Fridays, and opportunities for professional development.
Apply now or contact Caroline Strachan for a confidential chat on 07825 450 978.