Operations Manager, Operational Excellence

Job description

Overview The Global Outsourced Operations Team is responsible for the co-ordination, manufacturing, planning and delivery of Dyson products, refurbishment, spares and accessories globally. This includes bringing new products and technologies into mass manufacture and to manage the ongoing production. Success relies on close collaboration with product development and cross-functional supply chain teams to ensure product quality, reliability and output. The team also engages with and manages contract manufacturers and outsourced partners to ensure product quality, reliability, and optimal output. Role Summary The Operations Manager, Operational Excellence, is based in Dyson's Shanghai office and is accountable for the end-to-end management of Dyson’s outsourced manufacturing operations globally specifically in terms of driving operational excellence in CM/JDM sites. This role leads operational excellence execution, escalates and resolves challenges in partnership delivery, embeds continuous improvement, and is a role model for Dyson’s high-performance culture and values. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership: Oversee and manage day-to-day manufacturing operations to maximise output, productivity, and product quality. Ensure all procedures comply with Dyson’s global standards, industry regulations, and local policies. Partner Engagement: Build and cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders in partner organizations. Establish operational competences within CM/JDMs to deliver high-performance. Factory Management & Compliance: Oversee end-to-end factory performance, championing operational excellence, compliance with all Dyson requirements, and local regulations in CSER (Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility), health & safety, and ethical standards. KPI & Process Management: Define, implement, and continuously improve rigorous operational KPIs (including OTIF, quality, cost, yield, and throughput). Lead due diligence to ensure robust reporting, auditing, and analytical frameworks. Continuous Improvement & Excellence: Embed a culture of continuous improvement through world-class manufacturing methodologies (lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, Hoshin Kanari). Lead waste reduction, process optimization, and efficiency programs to deliver better cost, quality, and speed. People Leadership & Capability Building: Inspire, mentor, and develop both direct and indirect teams (including partner teams), fostering a people-centered leadership style. Actively develop talent, build a culture of accountability, and champion diversity and inclusion. Change & Risk Management: Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate risks—including those arising from new product introductions, technology transfers, and process changes. Lead the operational response for critical escalations. Stakeholder Management: Coordinate cross-functional teams within Dyson and with external partners, ensuring seamless operational delivery and alignment with business strategies. Key Deliverables (First 6 Months) Rapidly assess and stabilize partner manufacturing output, delivering on-time, in-full (OTIF) results. Establish best-in-class operational reporting, issue management, and escalation processes. Drive measurable improvement in KPIs (quality, yield, cost, efficiency). Lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across all factories. Ensure full compliance with Dyson’s CSER, health and safety, and reporting standards. Build strong, collaborative working relationships with C-level partner executives. Required Experience & Qualifications Minimum 5 years’ operations leadership experience in electronics or contract manufacturing operations, with a demonstrable track record operating in high-mix, complex manufacturing environments. Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline. Deep proficiency in world-class manufacturing methodologies: Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, Hoshin Kanri, and robust operational excellence practices. Experience managing both direct and indirect teams, with outstanding influencing and stakeholder engagement skills. Proven capability to independently challenge, influence, and collaborate with senior leadership, both within Dyson and with external partners. Deep understanding of risk management, compliance (CSER, EHS), and process optimization in manufacturing operations. People-centered leader; outstanding track record in developing talent, building inclusive cultures, and modeling best-in-class leadership behaviors. Results-driven, adaptable, self-motivated, and able to excel under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Exceptional communicator with fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) is advantageous. Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make our technology so unique. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other any other dimension of diversity.