--- title: 'Operational Excellence Engineer at HelloFresh' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/operational-excellence-engineer-hellofresh-derby-england-ecn0ch4tqg51' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Operational Excellence Engineer at HelloFresh - **Company:** HelloFresh - **Location:** Derby England, United Kingdom - **Posted:** 2026-07-22 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://careers.hellofresh.com/global/en/job/8077126?gh_jid=8077126 ## Job description About The Team: The Operational Excellence Engineer sits within the UK Operational Excellence team and plays a vital role in driving the delivery, implementation, and continuous improvement of production technologies, processes, and business propositions across HelloFresh distribution centres in the UK market. This is a highly project-driven, hybrid role designed for someone who loves working with data just as much as being present on the shop floor. You will combine disciplined project management with hands-on operational execution to improve key operational KPIs—specifically focusing on Error Rate, Minutes per Box, and productivity. From initial scoping to final on-floor adoption, you will bridge the gap between data-driven insights and real-world operational impact. What You Will Be Doing: - End-to-End Project Delivery: Define project scope, milestones, and success measures to lead technical and non-technical Opex projects from initiation through to successful implementation on time and within budget. - Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution: Support and lead Yellow and Green Belt projects utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and drive a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor. - Data Analysis & Actionable Insights: Analyze complex operational data using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, Grafana, Tableau, or SQL, translating these metrics into actionable business decisions and measurable KPI improvements. - Digital & Low-Code Innovation: Leverage AI tools, modern digital solutions, and low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., PowerApps, AppSheet) to build practical on-floor tools that bridge the gap between data insights and daily operations. - Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Lead and influence diverse, cross-functional teams and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders from shop-floor operatives up to senior management through disciplined meetings and clear, structured communication. - Change Management & Floor Presence: Maintain a strong, visible presence on the production floor to drive change initiatives, ensure the sustainable adoption of new processes/technologies, and support trials or tests alongside the Senior Opex Manager. - Risk & Issue Mitigation: Proactively recognize project risks and operational bottlenecks; create robust avoidance plans, take corrective measures early, and provide transparent status reporting to leadership. - Standardisation & Training: Drive operational standards in line with standard work principles, documenting process improvements and providing training to onsite teams on Continuous Improvement methodologies and techniques. Who You Are: - Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related technical field (preferred). - 2-3 years of experience in food manufacturing, high-volume fulfillment, or packaging sectors (highly preferred). - Proven experience leading or contributing to operational excellence, continuous improvement, or technology implementation projects (essential). - Strong practical knowledge of Lean Methodology, its tools, and standard work principles (Green/Yellow Belt level) (essential). - Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Google Sheets, Grafana, Tableau, or SQL) (preferred). - Familiarity with modern digital solutions, AI tools, and low-code/no-code application development (PowerApps, AppSheet) (preferred). - Previous experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) is preferred. - A passion for combining analytical thinking with hands-on, real-time problem solving on a fast-paced production floor. - An engaging, collaborative personality with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and effectively communicate complex updates to various audiences - Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously. What you will get in return: ● 70% off HelloFresh or Green Chef boxes ● Company pension scheme ● Gym membership ● Bupa private medical insurance (including dental & family cover options) ● Mental health first aiders and an employee assistance programme ● Dog friendly office! (London site only) ● Nursery support scheme ● Cycle to work scheme ● Group Life Assurance Location: The Windmill, 1 Holme Lane, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7HW To be considered for this role, you’ll need to have the independent right to work in the UK, as we're unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship at this time. Hybrid Working Policy We offer a hybrid working policy for eligible roles, allowing flexibility to work from home and in the office. For more details on eligibility and how this applies to the role you're applying for, please consult with your recruiter. Next steps: Your application will be reviewed and if successful, a member of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch within 2 weeks. You are required to cooperate with HelloFresh in all health and safety matters. You are responsible for ensuring you take reasonable care of your own health, and safety as well as others who may be affected by the work activities you undertake. You must report incidents immediately and actively raise health and safety-related concerns to your Line Manager. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, we will process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to the successful individual. Failure to disclose relevant information at application or throughout the process could affect your employment with the company. If you are currently a HelloFresh employee, please make sure you have discussed your application with your Line Manager. ## About HelloFresh ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: HelloFresh is a global meal-kit and food solutions company that delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes directly to consumers, aiming to revolutionize the way people eat by making home cooking accessible, convenient, and sustainable. - **Entity Type**: Public (Ticker: HFG on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange) - **Headquarters**: Berlin, Germany - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, Jessica Nilsson ## Core Business - **Primary Industry**: Meal Kit Delivery / Integrated Food Solutions - **Target Customers**: B2C – primarily busy households, couples, and individuals looking for convenient, high-quality meal options. Also serves the ready-to-eat and pet food markets. - **Mission Statement**: "Democratizing access to high-quality food" by allowing everyone to enjoy a varied, tasty diet while helping consumers save money and reduce food waste. ## Products & Services - **HelloFresh (Core Meal Kits)**: The flagship subscription service offering pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes for a wide variety of meals. Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **Factor_**: A ready-to-eat, chef-prepared meal delivery service (operates in the US, Canada, and Australia). Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **Youfoodz**: A ready-to-eat meal brand in Australia. Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **EveryPlate**: A budget-friendly meal kit brand in the US and Australia. Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **Chefs Plate**: A meal kit brand in Canada. Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **Green Chef**: An organic-focused meal kit brand in the US. Type: Subscription-based physical goods. - **The Pet Food Brands**: Premium pet food delivery services (e.g., The Pets Table in the US). Type: Subscription-based physical goods. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: As a public company, market cap fluctuates. As of mid-2025, it is approximately €1.5-2.0 billion (based on public trading data). - **Key Metric (Annual Revenue)**: €6.76 billion in net revenue in FY 2025. - **Key Metric (Meals Delivered)**: ~850 million meals delivered in 2025. - **Key Metric (Employees)**: +29,000 employees globally. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: The company is publicly traded. Key institutional investors include major European and US asset managers. Strategic partnerships exist with various food suppliers and logistics providers. - **Growth Signals**: The ready-to-eat segment (Factor, Youfoodz) is a major growth driver, now making up a quarter of total revenue. The company is expanding its ready-to-eat offerings into European markets, building on success in North America and Australia. The company operates in 17 countries with 8 different brands. ## Competitive Advantages - **Scale & Data**: With over 18,000 recipes in its database and billions of meals delivered, HelloFresh has an immense dataset on consumer preferences, supply chain optimization, and recipe development, creating a significant moat in logistics and personalization. - **Vertical Integration**: The direct-to-consumer model gives full control over the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery, enabling efficient operations, competitive pricing, and rapid response to customer needs. - **Multi-Brand Strategy**: By operating a portfolio of brands (from budget-friendly EveryPlate to premium Factor), HelloFresh captures a wide range of customer segments and price points, reducing reliance on a single offering. - **Global Footprint**: Presence in 16+ geographies provides diversification and allows for the cross-pollination of best practices and technologies across markets. ## Strategic Focus - **Accelerating Ready-to-Eat**: The company is aggressively growing its ready-to-eat segment (Factor, Youfoodz) and expanding it into new European markets, seeing it as a high-growth, higher-margin opportunity. - **Sustainability & Efficiency**: Continuous focus on reducing food waste, optimizing packaging, and improving supply chain sustainability. The company highlights its role in reducing household food waste compared to traditional grocery shopping. - **Technology & Personalization**: Investing in data science and machine learning to improve menu personalization, demand forecasting, and operational efficiency. - **International Expansion**: Leveraging success in core markets (US, Germany, Australia) to expand into adjacent geographies and product categories. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Described as a "global tech company" with a "local start-up vibe." The company emphasizes a data-driven, entrepreneurial, and ownership-oriented culture. Core values include Ownership, Inclusivity, and Innovation. - **Diversity & Inclusion**: HelloFresh has over 10 employee resource groups (ERGs) and is committed to fostering a sense of belonging. The careers page states, "Everyone is welcome at our table." - **Work Environment**: The company operates in 17 countries with multiple offices and distribution centers. Roles range from warehouse operations and logistics to software engineering, marketing, and data science. - **Perks**: The company offers competitive pay and benefits, though specifics vary by location. The culture is described as collaborative, with a focus on "achieving something delicious, every day." - **Growth Trajectory**: As a rapidly growing public company with a strong focus on innovation and expansion, employees have opportunities to work on high-impact projects and grow their careers across different brands and geographies. ## Sources 1. [hellofreshgroup.com](https://hellofreshgroup.com/en/) 2. [careers.hellofresh.com](https://careers.hellofresh.com/global/en/) 3. [hellofresh.com](https://www.hellofresh.com/about/working-at-hellofresh) 4. [careers.hellofresh.com/leadership](https://careers.hellofresh.com/global/en/leadership-at-hellofresh) 5. 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