At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvement projects in a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company focused on pet health and happiness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and best-in-class learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition while driving efficiency and quality.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience in high-volume manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Birstall, Leeds
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
We’re looking for a CI Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering new production assets and driving performance across a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment. You’ll lead commissioning, validation, and start-up of equipment while owning the site’s loss analysis agenda—identifying where we lose efficiency, speed, and quality, and turning those insights into high-impact improvement projects. This role is critical to ensuring our lines start strong, run efficiently, and continuously improve in a high-volume, high-demand setting—helping us deliver the quality pet nutrition that millions of pets rely on every day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) of lines/equipment and new product development
- Own and lead site-wide loss analysis across key metrics (OEE, waste, downtime, speed loss)
- Identify and prioritise the biggest losses impacting throughput, cost, and service
- Build and manage a pipeline of focused improvement projects aligned to business priorities
- Lead delivery of loss reduction initiatives—from data analysis through to shopfloor implementation and sustainment
- Apply structured problem-solving tools (RCA, 5 Whys, DMAIC) to eliminate root causes of chronic losses
- Champion TPM principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operator ownership
- Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve line reliability and efficiency
- Support rapid ramp-up of new lines to target speeds, waste, and quality standards
About You
- Engineering or technical degree (or equivalent) or equivalent experience
- Strong experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environments (food/pet food preferred)
- Proven track record in commissioning/start-up and driving line performance improvements
- Deep understanding of OEE, loss trees, and waste reduction in a production setting
- Experience delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, and downtime
- Knowledge of TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies
- Strong presence on the shopfloor with the ability to engage and influence operators and leaders
- Data-driven, results-focused, and comfortable working at pace
What can you expect from Mars?
- Be part of a purpose-driven business: A Better World for Pets
- Work on products that make a real difference to the health and happiness of pets globally
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, please complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form.
Continuous Improvement Manager employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Dormont Manufacturing Co is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides extensive training opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, all while supporting a flexible hybrid work model that enhances work-life balance. Join us in shaping the future of lottery solutions in a role that promises meaningful impact and professional development.
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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.
