Senior Continuous Improvement Manager in Glasgow

Bacardi is seeking a senior operational leader to play a pivotal role in transforming one of its important Supply Centres. This is not a traditional Continuous Improvement position; it’s a unique opportunity to architect and lead the next evolution of Operational Excellence across a complex, multi-site network spanning Scotch whisky maturation and distillation, premium gin production, and large-scale bottling operations. Reporting directly to the SCUK Director and sitting on the Supply Centre Leadership Team, this role will lead the transition toward a TPM based operating model while shaping the long‑term performance culture of the organization.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with strong operational credibility, working hands‑on with teams on the shopfloor to embed sustainable ways of working and develop future capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Excellence Strategy & TPM Deployment: Define and lead the SCUK Operational Excellence roadmap aligned with SCUK strategy and global supply priorities. Lead the transition from BOS to TPM, ensuring sustainability and long‑term ownership by operational teams. Establish a unified Operational Excellence system across whisky, gin and production operations. Act as SCUK’s authority on TPM principles, standards and deployment governance.
• Cultural Transformation & Change Leadership: Serve as the primary change agent driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational ownership. Embed TPM behaviors and mindset across all organisational levels. Influence and challenge site leadership priorities to ensure alignment with Operational Excellence principles. Build leadership capability to sustain improvements beyond program implementation.
• Gemba Engagement & Capability Building: Maintain strong presence at Gemba (~30%) to coach teams and reinforce standards through practical engagement. Participate in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 routines to embed TPM practices into daily management systems. Develop continuous learning and training frameworks for operators, supervisors and leaders. Coach teams in problem solving, root‑cause analysis and loss‑elimination methodologies.
• Performance & Loss Management: Establish standardised performance management and loss‑analysis systems across SCUK. Drive data‑based decision making through clear KPIs and operational reviews. Identify productivity, reliability and cost‑improvement opportunities in partnership with Finance and Operations. Ensure alignment between Innovation, Maintenance strategy, assets reliability, people development and TPM pillars.
• Leadership & Organizational Development: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary Continuous Improvement team including Process Leads and CI Managers. Integrate Continuous Improvement activities across all SCUK sites and categories, including gin operations. Actively contribute as a member of the SCUK Leadership Team shaping long‑term operational strategy. Build organisational capability supporting future leadership succession roles within other SCs or regionally.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Significant experience leading Operational Excellence or Continuous Improvement transformations within FMCG, beverage, or complex manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record implementing TPM, Lean Manufacturing or equivalent operational systems at scale.
• Demonstrated success driving cultural change, not only tool deployment.
• Strong operational credibility with experience working directly within manufacturing or supply environments.
• Ability to translate strategic vision into executable roadmaps and deliver measurable results.
• Experience operating in multi‑site or matrix organisations.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills at senior management level.
• Solid understanding of maintenance excellence, loss management and performance systems.
• Financial acumen with ability to quantify and deliver business impact.
• Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline preferred.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Hands‑on leader who leads from the floor as well as from the strategy room.
• High personal credibility with frontline teams and senior leadership alike.
• Strong coach and developer of people and capabilities.
• Resilient, proactive, pragmatic and execution‑oriented.
• Comfortable challenging constructively and influencing without authority.
• Collaborative mindset with strong cross‑functional engagement.
• Demonstrates Founder’s mentality and ownership for results.
• Passionate about building sustainable systems rather than short‑term initiatives.
• Ensures accuracy and compliance, with a keen eye for detail.
• Flexible to travel across SCUK sites.

LEADERSHIP AGILITY

• Belonging: You have a strong capacity to create a culture of ‘Belonging’, where people feel appreciated for who they are, what they do, and who they can become.
• Self‑Awareness: You have high levels of self‑awareness, are reflective and know yourself well, understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses and your impact on others.
• People Agility: You bring a deep ability to understand and relate to people and navigate through tough situations to harness and multiply collective performance.
• Results Agility: You demonstrate consistent delivery of results in first‑time situations by inspiring teams, exhibiting a presence that builds confidence in yourself and others.
• Mental Agility: You can think critically to penetrate complex problems and expand the possibilities by making fresh connections. You think strategically whilst being execution focused and bring creativity to the challenges you’re presented with.
• Change Agility: You have a deep natural curiosity, desire to experiment and ability to effectively deal with the heat of change. You have a growth and learning mindset: ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience.

Disclaimer: Bacardi seeks talent from all backgrounds to bring diversity of thought, agility and capability to our organization across the globe. We promote a working environment where all employees are treated and rewarded fairly. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination that adversely affects individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, colour, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, and any other legally protected aspect of a person’s identity.

PERKS OF WORKING FOR US

• Competitive Pay Package
• Competitive Holiday/Paid Time Off, plus additional days offered (i.e., volunteer day, allowing you to give back to the community)
• Retirement/Pension Plan
• Medical, Critical Illness and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Best‑in‑class, family‑friendly and inclusive leave policies

The benefits/perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Bacardi, your work location, and are subject to change. Some benefits may be subject to an employee contribution. Some benefits may be fully or partially subsidised. Incentive plans are linked to the nature of your employment and can vary based on region, market, function or brand.