CI Manager

Location: Worcestershire

Overview

W Talent Manufacturing and Engineering are supporting a market leading Manufacturing company based in Worcestershire to find a Head of Continuous Improvement. This business is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and is on exciting growth journey. The Head of Continuous Improvement will join the site senior leadership team and be imperative on supporting all functions of the organisation on their CI initiatives.

Our customer is one of the biggest growth manufacturing brands in the last few years across the UK and this is a genuinely exciting times to join the business.

Job Purpose

The Head of Continuous Improvement is focused on leading and embedding a culture of Continuous Improvement across this manufacturing facility based in Worcestershire, driving operational performance through Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and other CI methodologies. The role will focus on optimising production by improving efficiency, reducing waste, increasing OEE, and establishing sustainable standard work practices.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a Continuous Improvement strategy aligned to company growth and manufacturing performance objectives.
Champion Lean tools including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, VSM, Standard Work, DMAIC and Root Cause Analysis.
Lead CI projects to improve productivity, material yield, batch changeover efficiency, cost reduction and product throughput.
Analyse production performance data (OEE, scrap, downtime, labour efficiency, capacity utilisation) and produce actionable improvement plans.
Train, coach and mentor operational teams and line leaders to increase CI capability and engagement.
Facilitate cross-functional workshops to identify process bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
Support commissioning of new equipment, processes and automation with CI principles.
Partner with Planning to optimise flow, scheduling and batch sequencing.
Produce business cases for investment and track project ROI.
Maintain and promote a culture of problem solving, accountability, and continuous improvement across the site.
Support compliance with quality standards, HSE requirements and environmental regulations. Experience,

Skills & Qualifications

A Master Black belt is desired
Proven background in Continuous Improvement within FMCG, chemical, food, or related manufacturing.
Strong understanding of Lean tools and methodologies.
Demonstrable project delivery with measurable business impact.
Ability to analyse data and translate insights into improvement plans.
Strong influencing, coaching and communication skills at all levels.
Experience working within high-volume, fast-paced operational environments.
Experience supporting automation projects or digital performance systems.
Results-driven with continuous improvement mindset.
High energy, proactive and resilient.
Strong communicator and facilitator.
Comfortable challenging the status quo.
Collaborative and able to lead without direct authority. What's on Offer

£65,000-£70,000 plus benefits
Join a business who is passionate about change and be pivotal in embedding a CI mindset across the business