At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and quality across operations.
- Company: Join LT Foods UK, a leader in premium rice products with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing; strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About LT Foods UK
LT Foods UK is a leading supplier of premium rice and rice-based products, including the renowned Daawat brand.
As part of LT Foods Global, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable food solutions to our customers.
Our culture is built on integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness, with a strong focus on employee development, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility.
We foster a collaborative and respectful workplace where every team member is empowered to contribute and grow.
Company Culture
At LT Foods UK, we believe in nurturing goodness through our products and our people.
Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
We encourage innovation, support professional growth, and celebrate diversity.
Employees are empowered to take initiative and contribute to our shared success.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 UK bank holidays.
- Company pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.
Role Overview
The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across LT Foods UK's manufacturing, warehouse, and business support functions.
The role will lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, improving quality, enhancing customer satisfaction, and embedding a culture of Lean thinking and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, measure performance, and support strategic business objectives.
This role will report directly to the Director of Operations.
Working Hours
40 hours per week.
Monday – Friday, hours to be agreed with Management. An element of flexibility is required for this role to support the needs of the business and coverage of the team.
This role is initially on a fixed term basis for 3-6 months, depending on project needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Develop and implement a site-wide continuous improvement strategy aligned to business objectives.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, 5S, and waste reduction initiatives across operations.
- Facilitate continuous improvement projects from identification through to implementation and sustainability.
- Establish CI tools, standards, and best practices throughout the organisation.
- Coach managers and employees in problem-solving methodologies and continuous improvement techniques.
- Drive root cause analysis activities for operational, quality, and process-related issues.
- Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels.
- Performance Improvement
- Analyse operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, productivity, downtime, waste, yield, and labour efficiency.
- Support departments in achieving operational and financial performance targets.
- Develop and track business improvement plans to ensure measurable results are achieved.
- Project Management
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects and change initiatives.
- Create project plans, monitor progress, and ensure delivery within agreed timelines.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Technical, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to implement improvements.
- Ensure projects deliver sustainable operational and financial benefits.
- Process Standardisation
- Review and optimise existing processes, procedures, and workflows.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practice documentation where required.
- Support digitalisation and automation initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
- Ensure process improvements are embedded, documented, and maintained.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong working relationships across all departments.
- Facilitate improvement workshops and team engagement activities.
- Present project updates, performance reports, and improvement recommendations to senior management.
- Champion employee involvement in identifying and implementing improvement opportunities.
- Budget & Cost Management
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through efficiency improvements and waste reduction.
- Support business cases for capital expenditure and improvement investments.
- Measure and report financial benefits realised from improvement projects.
Requirements
Essential Experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing, or Process Improvement role within FMCG, food manufacturing, or a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of leading successful business improvement initiatives.
- Experience facilitating Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Strong project management and stakeholder management experience.
- Demonstrable experience delivering measurable improvements in productivity, waste reduction, quality, and cost savings.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Experience using problem-solving methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone, PDCA, and DMAIC.
- Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Strong communication and presentation abilities.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Power BI.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Desirable Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Continuous Improvement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or Business-related degree.
- Project Management qualification.
- IOSH Managing Safely certification.
- Personal Attributes
- Results-driven and proactive.
- Strong leadership and coaching skills.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Able to challenge existing practices constructively.
- Passionate about driving positive change and operational excellence.
Continuous Improvement Manager in Chelmsford employer: LT Foods UK
LT Foods UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises food safety and quality assurance, fostering a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth and mentorship while working in a dynamic environment dedicated to upholding the highest standards in food production. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive atmosphere that values integrity and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager in Chelmsford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With LT Foods UK looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at LT Foods UK
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at LT Foods UK.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into LT Foods UK’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
