At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Continuous Improvement strategy and drive Operational Excellence in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive leadership team with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational improvement and Lean Manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Job Introduction
We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who will be responsible for leading the Continuous Improvement strategy for the London Kitchen, driving Operational Excellence and supporting the delivery of the London Roadmap.
Job Introduction
We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who will be responsible for leading the Continuous Improvement strategy for the London Kitchen, driving Operational Excellence and supporting the delivery of the London Roadmap.
As a member of the London Leadership Team, the role will work cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, service, cost and people performance through Lean Manufacturing, structured problem solving and effective change management.
The role will provide strategic leadership for the site's improvement agenda, ensuring continuous improvement is embedded across all functions and aligned to the site's business priorities.
Working closely with the Leadership Team, the role will identify and prioritise improvement opportunities, deliver sustainable business improvements and embed a culture of continuous improvement across the site.
- Role Responsibility
- Key Accountabilities
- Own and deliver the London Continuous Improvement Strategy aligned to the FY27 Roadmap.
- Act as a member of the London Leadership Team, contributing to the overall leadership, performance and culture of the site.
- Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence across all site functions.
- Develop and maintain the London Continuous Improvement roadmap, ensuring priorities deliver measurable business benefits.
- Partner with functional leaders to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance.
- Lead structured problem solving and facilitate cross-functional improvement projects.
- Build continuous improvement capability across the organisation through coaching, training and standardisation.
- Ensure improvements are sustainable and maintain Bigham's standards for Safety, Quality and Food Integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
- Actively contribute as a member of the London Leadership Team.
- Own the governance and reporting of the London Continuous Improvement Roadmap, ensuring benefits are tracked and delivered.
- Challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities to improve business performance.
- Use data and operational insight to influence business decisions.
- Build strong relationships across Engineering, Supply Chain, Technical, Food, Finance and People.
- Promote collaboration and accountability across the Leadership Team.
- Lead site-wide change programmes and support organisational transformation.
- Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence tools, including:
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Process mapping.
- Standard work.
- Visual management.
- Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions and continuous improvement workshops across the site.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, service, safety and cost across the business.
- Partner with functional leaders to improve operational performance across the site.
- Develop and implement standardised processes to ensure improvements are sustained.
- Operational Performance & Analysis
- Analyse operational data to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Use data to identify root causes of operational losses, including downtime, waste and yield loss.
- Build clear business cases for improvement initiatives where required.
- Track and report the impact of CI initiatives on operational performance.
- Develop and maintain site performance dashboards and identify strategic improvement opportunities.
- Present improvement plans and progress through Leadership Team and KPM reviews.
- Measure and report financial and operational benefits delivered through CI initiatives.
- Project Delivery
- Lead the London Efficiency programme, ensuring initiatives are prioritised, delivered and benefits are tracked.
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept through to implementation.
- Organise and manage process trials and testing of new methods, equipment or systems.
- Coordinate cross-functional input where required to ensure successful delivery.
- Ensure improvement initiatives are delivered safely on time and with minimal operational disruption.
- Prioritise improvement projects aligned to the London Roadmap and annual business objectives.
- Lead cross-functional transformation projects involving multiple departments.
- Ensure benefits are measured and sustained after implementation.
- Capability Building
- Coach leaders in root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools.
- Develop Continuous Improvement capability across the organisation through coaching, training and knowledge sharing.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and ownership of problems across the organisation.
- The Ideal Candidate
Experience
- Proven experience delivering operational improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and structured problem solving.
- Experience leading cross-functional improvement programmes and embedding sustainable change.
- Experience in food manufacturing or fast-paced FMCG preferred.
- Experience leading organisational change and delivering
- measurable business improvements.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working across multiple functions.
- Understanding of retail supply chains.
- Experience using operational data and KPIs to identify and prioritise improvement opportunities.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
- Highly skilled in Root Cause Analysis and structured problem solving.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation capability.
- Advanced MS Excel.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Strong facilitation skills for workshops and leadership discussions.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Financial awareness and ability to develop business cases.
- Ability to make clear, evidence-based decisions in complex situations.
- Attributes
- Passion for Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence.
- Hands-on and comfortable working on the factory floor.
- Collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across functions.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Calm and logical thinker.
- Positive, resilient and solutions focused.
- Leads by example and drives accountability.
- Commercially aware with a strong focus on delivering measurable business results.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Continuous Improvement Manager employer: Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp
At Charlie Bigham's, we pride ourselves on being a B-Corp certified employer that values sustainability and social responsibility. Our Finance Team fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment in a vibrant location. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working with a dedicated team committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Charlie Bigham's | B-Corp value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
