At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational excellence and implement continuous improvement strategies in manufacturing.
- Company: Join Medik8, a pioneering skincare brand committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous employee discount.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on growth and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma certification and experience in high-speed manufacturing are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Medik8, we are more than ever differentiating ourselves from our competitors, pioneering the market, and leading the skincare industry. As a brand led by science, innovation and technological advancements have always been at our core. This is what makes us incomparable against the competition—producing some of the most advanced skincare on the market. We are seeking a proactive Continuous Improvement Manager to join our team at the Aylesbury Innovation Centre. You will drive operational excellence across our manufacturing operations and wider business areas, spotting efficiencies, stripping out waste, and helping our processes scale seamlessly.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (Depending on experience)
Whether you are an established Six Sigma Black Belt seeking your next challenge or a driven Green Belt ready for a step up, we want to hear from you. You will bring your high-speed manufacturing or FMCG experience to make a direct impact on site.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic CI Governance & Leadership: Act as the subject matter expert and strategic partner, designing and governing the overarching CI roadmap and portfolio of initiatives across the business. Horizon-scan for industry best practices, advanced manufacturing techniques, and technological advancements to integrate into Medik8’s operational strategy. Architect, implement, and govern the company’s CI framework, ensuring project methodologies (DMAIC, Kaizen, Lean) are consistently applied and integrated into daily operations.
- Cross-Functional Matrix Leadership: Serve as the architect and visible champion of Medik8’s continuous improvement culture within a matrixed organizational structure. Partner with department heads across Manufacturing, Logistics, Projects, Quality, and Supply Chain to break down silos and embed a culture of CI ownership. Transform complex operational challenges into shared goals, coaching and empowering operational leaders across departments.
- Operational Performance & Value Creation: Govern and execute high-impact CI initiatives across the business, maintaining a visible site presence to identify bottlenecks and lead a proactive "find-it, fix-it" mindset. Lead complex, cross-functional root-cause investigations focused on systemic process improvements, waste reduction, and capacity unblocking. Translate raw operational data into actionable business intelligence, owning CI reporting on leading indicators, financial savings, and ROI for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Our Commitment to Inclusion (The 60% Rule): Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. At Medik8, we care about potential, passion, and transferable talent. If you meet at least 60% of the essential criteria below and feel excited about this role, we strongly encourage you to apply!
Requirements
- Essential Criteria (What you definitely need):
- Continuous Improvement Qualification or Practical Experience: A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, OR a Six Sigma Green Belt with demonstrable experience in process improvement and a desire to achieve Black Belt status on the job.
- Manufacturing Experience: Demonstrable experience driving continuous improvement within a high-speed manufacturing environment (e.g., FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, or Cosmetics).
- Cross-Functional Influence: Proven track record of guiding and influencing projects across cross-functional teams within a matrix organization.
- Lean Principles & Data Literacy: Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, OEE optimization) alongside a data-informed approach to capacity modeling and financial benefits tracking.
- Communication & Coaching: Outstanding interpersonal skills with a natural ability to coach, mentor, and build collaborative relationships from the factory floor to leadership teams.
- Desirable Criteria (The 'nice-to-haves'):
- Complementary project management or change management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum, or formal Change Management qualifications).
- Practical exposure to cosmetics, personal care, or highly regulated production environments.
- Experience scaling operational processes during periods of rapid brand or business growth.
About us: Founded in 2009 by UK scientists and brothers, we are a British, B Corp™ certified skincare brand renowned for clinical results without compromise. Our mission is to simplify the route to great skin through our pioneering CSA Philosophy®: Vitamin C plus Sunscreen by day, and Vitamin A by night.
Culture & Benefits: We are a team of collaborative go-givers fuelled by a purpose-driven mentality. Innovation is at our core; we pride ourselves on doing everything in-house, challenging the norm and pushing the boundaries of possibility. We work with integrity and agility, ensuring our commitment to sustainability and quality is never compromised. Above all, we believe in community. Our diverse talents work cross-functionally because we know we achieve more together. It’s just who we are!
Some of the perks of being part of the Medik8 team include:
- Wellbeing: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Flexible & Hybrid working, Private Medical Insurance, Mental Health support.
- Rewards: 75% Discount, Annual Performance Bonus, Long Service Awards.
- Growth: Up-skilling support, regular Lunch & Learns, Flexible Career opportunities.
- Impact: 2 Volunteering days per year, Matched Charitable Giving Scheme.
Want to do a little more research before you apply? Head over to our main careers page to find out more about the team and our values. You can also find out more about us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor & Instagram.
Our BCorp Commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion): At Medik8, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe a rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives fuels the innovation behind our products. Research shows many candidates only apply if they meet 100% of a job description, however, we use the "60% Rule": if you meet over 60% of the requirements and have the passion to learn the rest, we want to hear from you.
Our Inclusive Hiring Standards:
- Fair Chance Hiring: To support systemic justice, we do not request criminal record or credit checks during the application stage (unless legally required for the role).
- Blind Recruiting: We use anonymised CV screening to focus purely on your talent and reduce bias.
- Disability Confident: As a Level 2 employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum role criteria.
- Immigration Integrity: We welcome all applicants within current Home Office guidance on sponsorship and Right to Work. We never artificially manipulate role scopes or salaries to meet requirements.
Be your authentic self. Apply today.
Continuous Improvement Manager Manufacturing in Aston Clinton employer: Medik8
At Medik8, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability. Located at the Aylesbury Innovation Centre, we offer hybrid working arrangements, generous benefits including 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth through up-skilling support and flexible career paths. Our commitment to community and diversity ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered, making Medik8 a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager Manufacturing in Aston Clinton
✨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 Medik8, 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 Manufacturing in Aston Clinton
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 Medik8 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 Medik8
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Medik8, 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 Medik8 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.
