In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Oscar Sroor, a global operations leader based in Bordeaux, France, to explore what it really takes to achieve sustainable operational excellence.

With experience spanning manufacturing, medical devices, FMCG, and global supply chains, Oscar shares his journey from classic lean initiatives to leading large-scale business transformations. The conversation goes beyond tools and frameworks, focusing on structured thinking, scientific discipline, cultural adaptation, and systems-level improvement.

Key topics include:

• Why lean tools alone aren’t enough
• How to standardize and improve tender processes
• Scaling capacity without burning out teams
• Optimizing distribution networks and ERP systems
• Measuring cultural maturity in continuous improvement
• The evolving role of AI, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0
• Leading transformation across diverse European cultures

This episode is essential listening for operations leaders, continuous improvement professionals, transformation leaders, and executives who want to move beyond surface-level optimization and build systems that truly perform.

Timestamps -

00:00 Trailer

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Oscar Sroor

01:31 Oscar's Continuous Improvement Journey

02:30 Explaining Operational Roles and Challenges

04:13 Transforming Business Processes

06:55 Standardizing Tender Processes

09:50 Measuring and Improving Tender Responses

15:31 Doubling Factory Capacity

17:37 Optimizing Distribution Networks

20:30 ERP Systems and Operational Decisions

27:16 Trainer Development and Kaizen Facilitation

28:41 Measuring Cultural Maturity in Lean Practices

29:39 Challenges in Training Facilitators

32:15 Communication and Cultural Adaptation in Europe

36:35 AI and Industry 4.0

41:58 Oscar Sroor's Journey and Influences

45:16 Balancing Work and Family Life

47:44 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

#OperationsScience #OperationalExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessTransformation #LeanThinking #ProcessImprovement

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound sits down with Stefano Relli, an international leader in continuous improvement at a global precision optical lens manufacturer.

Together, they break down the real-world challenges of running a make-to-order, high-variability production system and how balancing a push-pull system can transform flow, efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

Stefano shares how his multicultural leadership journey shaped his approach to operational excellence, people alignment, and driving change in high-precision environments.

From understanding the complexity of lens manufacturing to managing production capacity, optimizing equipment efficiency, and engaging both frontline teams and senior leadership, this episode dives deep into what it takes to run operations at scale.

Perfect for professionals in manufacturing, operations, Lean systems, continuous improvement, and supply chain, this conversation delivers practical insights backed by global experience.

Topics Covered:

• Handling high-mix, make-to-order challenges
• Implementing push-pull systems
• Cultural intelligence in leadership
• Aligning KPIs with operational goals
• Managing variability and production capacity
• Engaging teams in continuous improvement
• The human side of operational transformation
• Stefano’s personal passion for road cycling

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Stefano Relli: A Leader in Optical Lens Manufacturing

01:57 Stefano's Multicultural Journey and Its Impact on Leadership

08:24 Challenges of Make-to-Order Systems in Lens Manufacturing

12:46 Understanding the Lens Manufacturing Process

19:44 Implementing Push-Pull Systems for Operational Excellence

25:53 Ensuring Equipment Efficiency

26:42 Managing Production Capacity

28:31 Engaging Leadership in Continuous Improvement

34:20 Aligning People and Processes

35:26 Personal Journey and Influences

41:34 The Joy of Road Cycling

43:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#OperationsScience

#ManufacturingExcellence

#ContinuousImprovement

#OpticalLensManufacturing

#LeanManufacturing

#MakeToOrder

#PushPullSystem

#OperationalExcellence

#SupplyChain

#LeadershipInManufacturing

In this episode of The Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Santiago Camacho, a global supply chain leader with over two decades of experience in manufacturing and operations. Currently spearheading the setup of a new Greenfield site in Portugal for Coloplast, Santiago shares a candid look at the realities of modern supply chain leadership.

From balancing demand forecasts and managing production capacity to integrating AI into planning systems, Santiago explores how technology and people intersect in shaping the future of operations. He also reflects on leadership lessons, cross-cultural experiences, and how resilience and adaptability define successful supply chain transformation.

Whether you’re an operations professional, manufacturing leader, or curious about the human side of global logistics, this episode delivers grounded insights and actionable takeaways.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Santiago Camacho: A Supply Chain Expert

02:03 Challenges in Modern Supply Chain Management

03:50 AI's Impact on Entry-Level Jobs

07:13 Building a New Greenfield Site in Portugal

14:50 Postponement Strategy in Supply Chain

17:12 Leadership Lessons from Santiago Camacho

21:23 Balancing Demand Forecasts and Capacity

28:52 Global Supply Chain Planning at Coloplast

34:57 Personal Insights: Santiago Camacho's Journey

39:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#SupplyChain #OperationsScience #Leadership #Manufacturing #Coloplast #AIinOperations #GlobalSupplyChain #OperationsExcellence #GreenfieldProject #Logistics #SupplyChainInnovation #BusinessStrategy #IndustrialLeadership #SantiagoCamacho #EdPound #Podcast #OperationalExcellence