At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Lean transformation and drive operational excellence in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a respected defence manufacturer known for innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, early finishes, and a personalised development plan.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and engaging workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving processes and driving meaningful change across teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in Continuous Improvement and strong facilitation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Drive Lean transformation and operational excellence within one of the UK's most respected engineering and defence organisations. We are seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Manager who can challenge existing ways of working, facilitate cross-functional improvement activity and embed sustainable Lean practices across a complex engineering, manufacturing and supply chain environment.
This is a highly visible role within a world-class defence manufacturer, focused on improving operational performance across sourcing, procurement and supply chain functions. You'll work closely with engineering, finance, operations and sourcing teams to identify opportunities, remove inefficiencies and deliver measurable business improvements.
If you enjoy influencing stakeholders, facilitating workshops, solving problems and driving meaningful change, this role offers genuine autonomy, impact and long-term career development.
The Role
As Continuous Improvement Manager, you will be responsible for leading Lean transformation and operational excellence initiatives across sourcing and supply chain operations, helping teams improve performance, efficiency and delivery capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Lean transformation and Continuous Improvement initiatives across sourcing, procurement and supply chain functions
- Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops and structured problem-solving activities
- Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to improve flow, reduce waste and enhance operational performance
- Work closely with engineering, finance, operations and sourcing teams to drive measurable improvements
- Use data, KPIs, ERP/SAP systems and operational performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track benefits
- Develop governance frameworks, performance reporting and Continuous Improvement roadmaps
- Coach and support teams in Lean methodologies and Continuous Improvement techniques
- Manage and develop a Continuous Improvement Analyst
- Support operational readiness within a highly regulated engineering and manufacturing environment
- Embed a culture of Continuous Improvement and operational excellence across the organisation
What Success Looks Like
In this role you will:
- Challenge established ways of working and identify opportunities for improvement
- Facilitate improvement activity that delivers measurable operational and commercial benefits
- Help teams adopt Lean thinking and Continuous Improvement methodologies
- Improve operational flow, governance and decision-making processes
- Build strong relationships across engineering, sourcing, finance and operational teams
- Create a culture where Continuous Improvement becomes part of everyday operations
- Deliver sustainable improvements that enhance business performance and customer delivery
We're Looking For Someone Who Has
- Proven experience leading Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean Transformation programmes
- Strong practical experience facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops and structured problem-solving sessions
- A proven track record of delivering measurable operational improvements through Lean methodologies
- Experience influencing stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, operations, procurement, sourcing or supply chain environments
- The ability to challenge existing processes and gain buy-in for change
- Experience developing governance frameworks, KPI reporting and improvement roadmaps
- Strong workshop facilitation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience using ERP/SAP systems and operational performance data
- Previous leadership, coaching or mentoring experience
Highly Desirable
- Experience within defence, aerospace, manufacturing, engineering or other highly regulated operational environments
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent Continuous Improvement qualifications
- Experience supporting supply chain, sourcing, procurement or operational readiness activities
- Exposure to Lean deployment, Continuous Improvement governance or operational excellence programmes at site or business-unit level
This Is Not a "PowerPoint CI" Role
You'll spend time engaging directly with operational teams, facilitating workshops, challenging assumptions and helping stakeholders solve real business problems. Success in this role will come from your ability to influence people, build credibility, lead change and deliver practical improvements — not simply produce reports and dashboards.
You'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact within a business known globally for engineering excellence, innovation and long-term investment in its people.
Why Join?
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Uxbridge, West London
- Hybrid working available following onboarding
- Early finish every Friday
- Personalised development and career progression plan
- 9% non-contributory pension
- Healthcare plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
Interested?
If you're an experienced Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean professional looking to join a highly respected engineering and manufacturing organisation where you can genuinely influence change and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence in London employer: auricoe
Join a leading engineering and defence organisation in Uxbridge, where you will have the autonomy to drive Lean transformation and operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee development, a competitive benefits package, and a culture that embraces Continuous Improvement, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work environment. Experience a fulfilling career with early finishes on Fridays, hybrid working options, and a commitment to your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in action! Instead of just talking about your experience with Lean methodologies, consider creating a portfolio that showcases your past projects and successes. This can really help you stand out when you're chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to Continuous Improvement and Lean practices. Think about specific examples from your past roles where you’ve made a difference. We want you to be ready to impress with real-life stories that highlight your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the world of operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Highlight your experience in Lean methodologies and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about Lean transformation and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced change in previous positions.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience with facilitating workshops and problem-solving sessions. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in the past and the measurable improvements you've achieved.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact in our organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at auricoe
✨Know Your Lean Methodologies
Brush up on your Lean principles and methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these techniques in past roles, especially in challenging environments like defence or aerospace.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve real-world problems. Think about past experiences where you facilitated Kaizen events or Value Stream Mapping workshops, and be prepared to walk through your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This role requires strong communication and influencing skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with cross-functional teams, particularly in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain contexts.
✨Demonstrate Your Data-Driven Approach
Be ready to discuss how you've used data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities. Highlight any experience with ERP/SAP systems and how you've tracked benefits from your initiatives to show your analytical side.
