Continuous Improvement Manager

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence across a dynamic industrial manufacturing environment.

This is a strategic leadership role focused on driving operational transformation, improving manufacturing performance and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation. Working closely with Site Leadership and cross-functional teams, you will champion Lean principles, develop people and deliver sustainable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity.

The successful candidate will be a visible leader and change agent, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.

Key ResponsibilitiesContinuous Improvement Leadership

• Develop and implement the site's Continuous Improvement strategy in alignment with business and operational objectives.


• Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives across all functions.


• Drive organisational transformation by embedding continuous improvement principles into everyday operations.


• Promote a culture focused on operational excellence, problem-solving and sustainable performance improvement.

Lean Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Lead the implementation and sustainability of Lean methodologies, including:
  
  
  
  • Kaizen
  
  
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  
  
  • 5S
  
  
  • Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
  
  
  • Kanban
  
  
  • SMED
  
  
  • Standard Work
  
  
  • Visual Management
  
  
  • Hoshin Kanri
  
  
  • Structured Problem Solving
  
  
  • Other Operational Excellence tools and methodologies
  
  
  
  


• Facilitate improvement workshops and Kaizen events to eliminate waste and optimise manufacturing processes.


• Support process standardisation and the adoption of best practices across manufacturing operations.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Coach, mentor and develop leaders and employees in Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.


• Build organisational capability by delivering training and promoting knowledge sharing across all levels.


• Partner with senior leadership to establish priorities, monitor progress and sustain transformation initiatives.


• Foster employee engagement and encourage ownership of improvement activities throughout the organisation.

Performance & Business Improvement

• Monitor operational performance using key manufacturing KPIs and performance metrics.


• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.


• Develop and implement initiatives that improve productivity, quality, delivery performance, efficiency and cost.


• Ensure improvement initiatives are effectively governed, measured and sustained over time.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and other business functions to deliver improvement initiatives.


• Support strategic business objectives through effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.


• Act as a trusted advisor on Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence across the organisation.

About You

You are a passionate Continuous Improvement leader with extensive experience driving Lean transformation within manufacturing environments. You are comfortable working on the shop floor, coaching teams and influencing leaders to deliver lasting operational improvements.

You combine strong technical knowledge with excellent communication skills and have a proven ability to lead change, develop people and deliver measurable business results.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing, Operations or Engineering.


• Proven success leading Lean transformation programmes within industrial or manufacturing environments.


• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies, including Kaizen, VSM, TPM, 5S, Kanban, SMED, Standard Work, Visual Management and structured problem-solving techniques.


• Experience facilitating cross-functional improvement projects and engaging stakeholders across all organisational levels.


• Strong coaching and leadership capabilities with experience driving cultural and behavioural change.


• Excellent analytical skills with experience using data to support decision-making and operational improvement.


• Experience managing improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainability.


• Lean Six Sigma or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification is highly desirable.


• Experience using ERP systems, Power BI and Microsoft 365 is advantageous.


• Fluent English is essential.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and coaching capabilities.


• Passion for Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Hands-on approach with a visible presence within manufacturing operations.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.


• Results-oriented with a proactive approach to change.


• Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across multiple business functions.


• High levels of integrity, accountability and resilience.


• Committed to building a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What You'll Be Doing

This role offers the opportunity to lead Continuous Improvement within a global manufacturing environment, driving Lean transformation and operational excellence across the organisation. You will play a key role in developing people, improving manufacturing performance and supporting long-term business success through sustainable operational improvements and cross-functional collaboration.