Continuous Improvement Manager

This role is for a Continuous Improvement Manager in Lowestoft, offering £60,000 to £70,000 per annum. You will lead the development and delivery of the Continuous Improvement strategy across a food manufacturing operation, working closely with Operations, Engineering, Technical, Quality, Supply Chain and senior leadership teams. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities to improve operational performance, increase efficiency, reduce waste and cost, and embedding a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. You will develop and implement the site's strategy, lead Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, and improve key manufacturing measures including OEE, combining strong Lean knowledge with hands-on leadership, data analysis and coaching of operational teams on the factory floor.

Your new company
We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the development and delivery of the Continuous Improvement strategy across a fast-paced food manufacturing operation. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Technical, Quality, Supply Chain and senior leadership teams, you will identify opportunities to improve operational performance, increase efficiency, reduce waste and cost, and embed a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
This is a highly visible role requiring someone who can combine strong Lean manufacturing knowledge with hands-on leadership. You will be equally comfortable analysing performance data, facilitating improvement projects and spending time on the factory floor engaging and coaching operational teams.Your new role
You will develop and implement the site's Continuous Improvement strategy, aligned with wider group and business objectives.

• Identify and deliver improvement opportunities across production, engineering, supply chain and operational processes.
• Lead Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives across the site.
• Improve key manufacturing measures including OEE, yield, labour efficiency, throughput, downtime, changeover performance, giveaway and waste.
• Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis using methodologies such as 5 Why, DMAIC, A3 and Fishbone analysis.
• Drive the implementation and effective use of 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping.
• Analyse operational data to identify performance gaps, trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop robust business cases for improvement projects, including expected savings, investment requirements and payback.
• Lead cross-functional CI projects from initial concept through to implementation, measurement and sustained delivery.
• Work with Engineering and Production teams to improve equipment reliability, line performance and asset utilisation.
• Support initiatives to reduce product waste, packaging waste, energy usage and other manufacturing costs.
• Improve production changeovers and line flexibility using SMED principles where appropriate.
• Coach and develop managers, supervisors and operational teams in Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events and improvement activities across all levels of the organisation.
• Establish clear KPIs and reporting processes to measure the impact of CI initiatives.
• Ensure improvements are standardised, documented and sustained rather than becoming short-term interventions.
• Share best practice and collaborate with Continuous Improvement teams across other sites within the global organisation.
• Ensure all improvement activity supports the highest standards of food safety, quality, health & safety and regulatory compliance.

What you'll need to succeed
Degree/HND or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business Improvement or a related discipline with Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt qualification, Formal Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence training.
Significant Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Manufacturing Excellence experience within a food, FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environment and strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and CI methodologies. Proven experience delivering measurable improvements in manufacturing performance and a strong understanding of OEE, waste, yield, labour productivity, downtime and manufacturing cost reduction.

What you'll get in return
A competitive salary and benefits package, with a base range 60-70k depending on experience, annual bonus, 25+8 holiday, sick pay scheme and more.
What you need to do now


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