Continuous Improvement Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement Manager to join a prominent manufacturing company based in Letchworth Garden City. This permanent full-time role focuses on leading and embedding continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of high-performing teams across the site. The role reports directly as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, responsible for driving strategic improvement programs, enhancing operational efficiencies, and generating cost savings while serving as the site's expert on Lean Sigma practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Take charge of all Lean and Continuous Improvement activities throughout the site.
• Promote and advance the development of High-Performing Teams (HPTs) across various functions.
• Execute Lean Sigma projects to deliver tangible business enhancements and cost reductions.
• Manage Business Continuity and Risk Management initiatives site-wide.
• Mentor and develop Green Belt participants and facilitate Kaizen and A3 problem-solving exercises.
• Serve as the principal liaison between the site and the broader organization on Lean and improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational processes and implement enduring improvements that boost productivity, quality, delivery reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support strategy deployment and ensure the site meets its operational goals.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects and effectively influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrable experience in a Continuous Improvement role such as Lean Manager, Site Lean Leader, or Operational Excellence Manager in a manufacturing environment.
• Mandatory Lean Sigma certification; having a Black Belt qualification is highly preferred.
• Proven success in achieving measurable operational improvements and cost savings.
• Experience in manufacturing, particularly in a high-mix, low-volume setup, is essential.
• History of steering cross-functional teams and driving cultural transformation.
• Exceptional skills in communication, coaching, and managing stakeholders.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Competence working with project management software and Microsoft Office suite.

Additional Information

The role is often referred to by various titles including Lean Manager, Senior Lean Manager, Site Lean Leader, Continuous Improvement Lead, CI Manager, and Operational Excellence Manager. This is an outstanding opportunity for a focused professional to significantly influence operational excellence and continuous improvement efforts at a leading manufacturing site.