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 Uxbridge employer: auricoe
Join one of the UK's most respected engineering and defence organisations as a Continuous Improvement Manager, where you'll drive Lean transformation and operational excellence in a dynamic and innovative environment. With a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a strong focus on employee development, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values continuous improvement and collaboration across teams. Experience a fulfilling career with opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to your well-being, including a comprehensive healthcare plan and generous holiday allowances.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and don’t hesitate to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Continuous Improvement Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in action! If you’ve led Kaizen events or Value Stream Mapping workshops, consider sharing your experiences through a blog or social media. This not only showcases your expertise but also positions you as a thought leader in Lean transformation and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've challenged existing processes and delivered measurable improvements. Use data and KPIs to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We’re all about finding the right fit for both you and us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in Lean methodologies and operational excellence, and let’s make some meaningful changes together!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Continuous Improvement Manager. Highlight your experience with Lean methodologies and any specific achievements in operational excellence that align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you've facilitated workshops or led Kaizen events. We want to see how you’ve tackled real business problems and made a difference.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value genuine passion for Continuous Improvement and operational excellence, so don’t be afraid to express why this role excites you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 techniques like Kaizen or Value Stream Mapping in past roles. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you've successfully challenged existing processes or led improvement initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves influencing various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships and gained buy-in for change in previous positions. Highlight any specific strategies you used to engage stakeholders and facilitate workshops.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Data Metrics
As data-driven decision-making is crucial in this role, make sure you're comfortable discussing KPIs and performance metrics. Be ready to explain how you've used data to identify improvement opportunities and track the success of your initiatives.
