Global Continuous Improvement Manager

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 get up to speed immediately. 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.

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.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• 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

• Private healthcare
• Annual bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance; salary sacrifice options into your pension
• Annual car allowance
• Excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme – we 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); option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year
• Life insurance cover
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Medicash health cash plan – claim money back on everyday healthcare costs; access to a virtual GP and wellbeing support
• Telus Health employee and family assistance programme – 24/7 confidential counselling line, legal and financial guidance, employee discounts
• Salary sacrifice cycle‑to‑work scheme
• A paid 'Chips In' volunteering day – support community projects
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements where the role allows

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

Accessibility

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Privacy

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