At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and integrate AI for enhanced problem-solving.
- Company: Join the world's largest cane sugar refiner and marketer, ASR Group®.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to innovate with AI.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to coach diverse teams and influence change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and shape the future of improvement.
- Qualifications: Strong manufacturing background and experience in CI methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single‑use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
Drive the Next Evolution of Continuous Improvement
We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who can elevate problem ‑ solving across our UK ASR Operations and help shape the future of how we improve — including the integration of AI ‑ enabled problem solving. This is a high ‑ impact, self ‑ directed role where you’ll lead the CI agenda across multiple sites, partner with global CI teams, and build the capability of our people so that CI becomes part of how we think, act, and operate every day. If you’re passionate about Lean, love coaching teams, and get excited about how AI can accelerate improvement… this is the role where you can make a real mark.
What You’ll Lead
- Operational Excellence
- Standardise and optimise operating processes by identifying global best practices and embedding them locally.
- Diagnose processes, identify waste, and partner with site leaders to deliver measurable performance improvements.
- Lead CI assessments and maintain the UK CI roadmap aligned to global strategy.
- Support the rollout of a global Operating Management System that drives consistency and culture across all sites.
- Facilitate CI projects using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, VSM).
- Champion CI tools and thinking across all departments.
- Work with CI Champions (dotted ‑ line) across each department to embed CI into daily operations.
- Bring curiosity or experience in applying AI to CI.
- Educate teams on how AI can enhance decision ‑ making and accelerate improvement.
What You Bring
- Strong manufacturing background with progressively senior experience.
- Proven success applying CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, TOC).
- Experience in food, beverage, pharma, or CPG manufacturing (preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
- Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred) or Lean Leader certification.
- A passion for coaching, influencing, and building capability across diverse teams.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for how AI can transform CI.
Why This Role Matters
You won’t just run CI projects — you’ll raise the organisation’s problem ‑ solving maturity, build a network of CI Champions, and help shape the next generation of improvement through AI ‑ driven tools and insights. This is a role for someone who wants to lead, influence, innovate, and leave a legacy.
At Tate & Lyle Sugars, our goal is to be the most admired sweetener Company.
Service Excellence - Be the industry's Gold Standard by a relentless focus on reliability, providing products with superior quality and excellent customer services.
Efficiency and Sustainability - Eliminate inefficiency to be a sustainable, low cost producer and to generate fuel for reinvestment.
Value-Add - create strategic advantage and enhanced profitability through value‑added products and services.
The foundation of our values is Talent and Culture as we aim to build, retain and motivate a winning team.
Continuous Improvement Manager employer: ASR Group
At ASR Group®, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sugar refining industry, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our operations. Our culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills through coaching and the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at ASR Group® on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these in past roles. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for AI in CI! Research how AI can enhance decision-making and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas during your interview. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the ASR Group® family.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Highlight your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for continuous improvement and how you envision integrating AI into our processes. Let us know why you're excited about this role and what you can bring to the table.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples of how you've diagnosed processes and delivered measurable improvements in previous roles. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASR Group
✨Know Your CI Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your Continuous Improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in manufacturing settings. This will show that you not only understand the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since this role involves coaching teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and built capability in others. Think about specific instances where your coaching led to measurable improvements. This will highlight your passion for developing talent.
✨Embrace AI in CI
The job description mentions a curiosity for AI in Continuous Improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you see AI enhancing decision-making and driving improvements. If you have any experience with AI tools, share those insights to demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with ASR Group's values and goals, particularly around service excellence and sustainability. During the interview, align your answers to reflect how your experience and vision fit within their mission. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.