At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global deployment of McCain's Manufacturing Operating System across 30+ sites.
- Company: Join McCain, a family-owned global leader in food production.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, annual bonuses, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Travel internationally and grow your career in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with innovative systems and real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Continuous Improvement with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
About the role. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing global team at a pivotal moment in the evolution of McCain's proprietary Manufacturing Operating System - MDI (McCain Driving Impact). Built entirely in-house and currently in active deployment across 30+ plants worldwide, MDI is still being shaped, and this hire will have a genuine seat at the table in influencing its design.
Following internal promotion, we are looking for a Global MDI Manager who can land running. You will partner with plant and regional leadership teams across the globe to deploy, coach and sustain our Manufacturing Operating System - driving real growth, cultural change, and measurable cost improvements. This is not an execution role; it is a systems-thinking, influence-led position for someone who has built and deployed CI frameworks from the ground up.
What you'll be doing:
- Support and lead the global deployment of MDI - McCain's Manufacturing Operating System - across a network of 30+ manufacturing sites, currently at Phase 2-3 of rollout.
- Facilitate the development of Daily Management Systems with cross-functional global leaders and their regional teams, driving standards and sustainment through governance and assessment processes.
- Partner with Regional Manufacturing Leadership Teams to identify and deliver cost savings through manufacturing process improvement.
- Perform loss analysis and lead focused improvement initiatives using proven CI methodologies (TPM, IWS, Lean, DMAIC, A3 and equivalents).
- Coach continuous improvement skills and mindset at all levels of the organisation - building lasting capability rather than dependency.
- Lead strategic ad hoc projects that contribute to the financial and cultural objectives of the Global Manufacturing function.
- Contribute to the ongoing design and evolution of the MDI system itself - this role sits at a genuine inflection point in the programme's development.
- Stay at the forefront of manufacturing excellence innovation, including the emerging integration of digital tools and process digitisation within MDI.
What you'll need to be successful:
Experience & Technical Capability- Demonstrable experience designing and deploying a Continuous Improvement or Manufacturing Operating System autonomously - you have built the playbook, not just followed one.
- Deep working knowledge of TPM, IWS or equivalent integrated work systems philosophy, with Lean Black Belt or equivalent methodology as a benchmark.
- At least ten years of leadership or management experience within Continuous Improvement and Plant Operations, with a minimum of five years leading and coaching at least two of the following: Autonomous Manufacturing (TPM), Focused Improvement (DMAIC, 8D, A3), Daily Management Systems (IWS, HPWS, WCM), Early Management / Vertical Start-Up, or Skills Development / Work Simplification.
- FMCG manufacturing experience is essential; backgrounds in automotive or pharmaceutical manufacturing are also of strong interest.
- A Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Science, Engineering or a related field; Lean / CI certification and PMP designation are a bonus.
- The emotional and organisational maturity to lead entirely through influence - you can negotiate with Plant Directors, understand where to push and where to compromise, and build credibility without direct authority.
- A self-starter who thrives with autonomy and operates effectively across global cultures with minimal supervision.
- Excellent facilitation, communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to engage and influence senior leaders.
- Comfortable in ambiguity - able to define a plan and create clarity in a fast-moving, complex environment.
- Bilingual skills are an asset; multilingual capability is welcomed.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally (60%+ of the time).
Benefits. Although we do encourage you to taste the goods, you'll be pleased to know we don't pay you in chips. Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including:
- Private healthcare
- Annual bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance
- The ability to salary sacrifice into your pension
- Annual car allowance
- An excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme where we'll contribute double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your salary
- 25 days' annual leave from day one plus bank holidays (increasing with service), giving you plenty of time to recharge with the opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year
- Life insurance cover providing peace of mind for you and your family
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Medicash health cash plan, helping you claim money back on everyday healthcare costs, with access to a virtual GP and wellbeing support
- TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme offering full wellbeing support
- A paid 'Chips In' Volunteering Day
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements where the role allows
And because you're joining a global business, your career opportunities don't stop at the factory gate. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, step into leadership, or even explore opportunities internationally, we'll support your growth. With ambitious plans for the future, there's plenty of scope to develop your career with us.
About the team / location. You will join a small, high-calibre global MDI team operating within McCain's Global Manufacturing function, reporting directly to the Global Director, MDI. The team works with Regional Manufacturing Leadership across all of McCain's major geographies - a genuinely global remit with meaningful reach into plant-level operations worldwide. This role is GB based but requires regular global travel. Ideally, we would like you based near Scarborough, North Yorkshire or Whittlesey, Peterborough.
About McCain. McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Global Continuous Improvement Manager in Scarborough employer: McCain Foods (GB)
At McCain, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. As a Global Continuous Improvement Manager, you'll be part of a high-performing team with a genuine opportunity to influence our Manufacturing Operating System while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, McCain is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a global setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Continuous Improvement Manager in Scarborough
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like McCain Foods (GB), 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 Global Continuous Improvement Manager in Scarborough
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 McCain Foods (GB) 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 McCain Foods (GB)
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McCain Foods (GB), 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 McCain Foods (GB) 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.
