Continuous Improvement Manager

Our client is a well-established and highly respected structural steel fabrication and construction business, delivering complex steelwork projects across the UK and Ireland. Due to continued growth and a focus on operational excellence, they are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead improvement initiatives across their fabrication facility and wider construction operations.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced continuous improvement professional to make a genuine impact within a growing business. Reporting to the Operations Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a continuous improvement strategy, embedding lean principles, improving operational efficiency and driving positive cultural change across the organisation. Working closely with teams across the full project lifecycle – from tendering and design through to fabrication, delivery, construction and handover – the manager will identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve processes, increase value and support the successful delivery of high‑quality projects.

• Lead the development and implementation of a continuous improvement strategy across the business.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, lean thinking and ongoing improvement.
• Identify and eliminate waste, inefficiencies and non-value‑added activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work collaboratively with departments including tendering, design, fabrication, delivery and construction teams to improve processes.
• Develop structured systems for capturing, evaluating and implementing improvement opportunities.
• Support teams in improving efficiency, quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor key performance indicators and use data to measure the success of improvement initiatives.
• Embed lean manufacturing principles across all levels of the workforce.
• Improve communication, collaboration and information flow between departments.
• Provide hands‑on coaching and support to teams to ensure improvements are successfully implemented and sustained.
• Work closely with operational teams on the workshop floor, in offices and on‑site to identify and deliver improvements.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of a respected structural steel contractor.

• Previous experience leading continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing, fabrication, engineering or construction environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and process improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements.
• Ability to engage and influence teams at all levels of an organisation.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to support decision‑making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A hands‑on approach with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Experience driving cultural change and embedding continuous improvement practices.
• Structural steel or construction industry experience would be advantageous; candidates from other engineering or manufacturing sectors will be considered.
• Proactive, organised and passionate approach to improving processes and developing people.

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Key leadership role within a growing and ambitious structural steel contractor.
• Opportunity to shape and develop the company's continuous improvement strategy.
• Private healthcare and additional employee benefits.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Employee discounts and company benefits.
• Opportunity to work closely with teams across fabrication, engineering and construction operations.