At Opexcell, our approach is shaped by decades of hands-on operational leadership across some of the UK’s most demanding environments – from military aviation to large-scale telecommunications infrastructure and multi-site energy operations. Our methodology isn’t borrowed from a textbook. It’s been tested, refined, and proven in the field.
We combine the discipline of Lean Six Sigma with the clarity of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) – and underpin everything with a people-first leadership philosophy that ensures change doesn’t just happen on paper, but takes root in your organisation’s culture and behaviour.
Lean Six Sigma diagnostic methodology | structured performance auditing
Before we recommend anything, we listen and look carefully. We conduct structured operational assessments to understand where your organisation is performing well, where value is being lost, and where the real blockers to performance lie - whether those are process-related, cultural, or structural.
Drawing on Lean Six Sigma principles, we identify waste, duplication, and inefficiency not to criticise, but to create the space for measurable improvement. Our assessments are collaborative - your people are part of the process from the start, not told about the findings at the end.
OKR methodology | strategic planning frameworks | KPI development
Improvement without direction is just activity. We use an OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework to help organisations set meaningful, measurable goals that connect day-to-day work to strategic ambition. OKRs create a shared language of success across your teams - everyone understands what they're working towards and why it matters.
This approach was forged in environments where clarity of mission is non-negotiable - from RAF operational planning to board-level reporting on multi-million-pound infrastructure programmes. We bring that same discipline to your organisation, scaled and adapted to your context.
Change management | behavioural change | continuous improvement culture
This is where Opexcell is genuinely different. We don't hand over a report and leave. We work alongside your teams to embed change in a way that lasts - because we've seen, time and again, that sustainable performance improvement only happens when people understand the why, feel ownership of the how, and are supported through the discomfort of change.
Our founder has led teams of 300+ through complex transformation, delivered £6M in cost savings within six months, and improved quality metrics by up to 20% - not through systems alone, but through deliberate, people-centred leadership. That's the standard we bring to every engagement.
At Opexcell, our mission is to empower growing businesses with the strategy, systems, and leadership they need to thrive.
We partner with organisations to:
Through interim & fractional operations leadership, we offer flexible, cost-effective access to senior expertise – enabling organisations to scale with confidence, without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Hello, I’m Cheryl Burgess – Founder & CEO of Opexcell.
My career has been shaped by a passion for people, operational excellence, and leading organisations through meaningful change.
My journey began with an unexpected spark: a birthday flying lesson that inspired me to join the Royal Air Force, where I built the foundations of my leadership style – disciplined, calm under pressure, and always focused on bringing out the best in people.
After the RAF, I moved into telecommunications, taking on senior leadership roles that strengthened my ability to deliver results in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments. I later progressed into energy‑from‑waste operations, where I served as an Operations Director, leading large teams, improving operational performance, and supporting organisations through complex transformation.
Across every chapter of my career, one thing became clear: businesses succeed when their strategy, operations, and people work in alignment, and when leaders feel supported, not alone. I founded Opexcell to give organisations exactly that support.
Today, I work with businesses of all sizes – from growing businesses to large, complex organisations – helping them strengthen operations, develop leaders, engage their people, and navigate transformation with confidence. My approach is practical, calm, collaborative, and always people‑focused. I believe that real change happens not through complicated frameworks, but through clear direction, meaningful relationships, and leaders who feel empowered to make progress.
Opexcell exists to help organisations grow with clarity and purpose, and to help leaders and teams perform at their best.
Want to know if Opexcell is the right fit for your organisation? Get in touch — I’m always happy to have an honest conversation about where you are and how I might be able to help.
We’d love to learn more about your business and learn how we can support your success.
Whether you’re scaling, restructuring, or simply need clarity, Opexcell is here to help. From strategy to execution, we bring the leadership, structure, and support to help you move forward – and stay ahead.
Ready to grow with confidence?
Contact us today to explore how we can support your journey.
Let's talk about how we can help you achieve your objectives.
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We provide support to businesses across the UK whenever you need us.
