U.K. Regional Operational Excellence Specialist
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3549 (75% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Johnson Matthey is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2431 (Management consultants and business analysts, Continuous improvement manager index entry; role leads improvement programmes) or SOC 2482 (Quality assurance and regulatory professionals, Quality improvement focus overlaps with operational excellence work). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3549 Business associate professionals not elsewhere classified Most likely code | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
2431 Management consultants and business analysts Also possible | £35,100 | £40,200 | £45,200 | £50,200 |
2482 Quality assurance and regulatory professionals Also possible | £33,800 | £38,600 | £43,400 | £48,200 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
The role:
As a U.K. Regional Operational Excellence Specialist, you will help drive our goals by:
- Partnering with site leadership and operational teams to identify improvement opportunities that enhance performance across multiple U.K. sites.
- Leading and supporting operational excellence programmes that improve productivity, quality, reliability, safety and cost performance.
- Facilitating structured improvement activities, including Kaizen events, value stream analysis and problem-solving workshops.
- Using data, performance insights and root cause analysis to resolve operational challenges and drive sustainable improvements.
- Supporting the implementation and maturity of the Johnson Matthey Production System (JMPS) across the region.
- Sharing best practices and helping build continuous improvement capabilities within site teams.
- Black Belt Lean Six Sigma qualification, or equivalent continuous improvement expertise.
- Experience delivering operational excellence or continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business results.
- Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
- Proven stakeholder management, influencing and facilitation skills across operational environments.
What we offer:
We make sure salaries are fair, competitive and aligned to individual roles, experience and responsibilities. We are also supportive of hybrid and flexible working and where applicable, offer life, medical and other benefits that support our employees’ financial and physical wellbeing, such as:
- Competitive retirement savings
- Company matched Share Incentive Plan
- Life Assurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness
- Medical plans/health assessments
- Retailer and Wellbeing discounts
- Competitive annual incentive plan
At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.
For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected]. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.
Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks, early application is advised.
To submit your application, please click the "Apply" button online.
All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice: Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to the notice.
Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orien
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Johnson Matthey, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Business associate professionals not elsewhere classified (SOC 3549) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~95k in sample- Middle half £28,860–47,580
- Median £36,296
- Going rate £41,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–37,530
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Johnson MattheyAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Johnson Matthey holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3549 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.