At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects and coach teams to adopt best practices in performance and safety.
- Company: A leading UK food manufacturer focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and comprehensive training programmes for professional growth.
- Other info: Mid-senior level position with full-time employment in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
- Why this job: Opportunity to lead impactful transformation projects in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in food manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
As CI Manager, you’ll be the go‑to expert for improvement strategy, tools, and delivery across the organization. Your role will involve working with site leaders and operational teams to identify opportunities, lead cross‑functional projects, and coach teams to adopt best practices that elevate performance, safety, and quality. A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to partner with site leaders and operational teams across multiple locations. This high‑impact role will lead transformation projects, coach teams, and embed a culture of improvement that delivers measurable results.
Description
- Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
- Partner with site leaders to deliver the Manufacturing Excellence roadmap
- Build strong relationships across departments and functions
- Champion a values‑led culture with people at the heart of every decision
- Operational Excellence
- Lead CI maturity assessments and develop multi‑year improvement road maps
- Analyse performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities
- Drive improvements in labour efficiency, line balancing, and tiered meeting structures
- Project Delivery
- Scope and lead CI projects using advanced problem‑solving and process mapping
- Manage stakeholder engagement, resources, and risk to ensure successful outcomes
- Embed sustainable change through structured coaching and control systems
- Coaching & Capability Building
- Train and mentor teams in CI tools and techniques
- Use recognised coaching models to support behavioural change and ownership
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and development
- Data & Analysis
- Apply statistical models and root cause analysis to drive data‑led decisions
- Build dashboards and reporting tools to track performance and impact
- People Management
- Lead and develop high‑performing teams
- Support wellbeing, engagement, and succession planning
- Address ER issues and performance challenges with fairness and clarity
Profile
- Proven experience in food manufacturing
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent
- Strong data analysis and project management skills
- Excellent communication and coaching abilities
- Functional skills in Maths and English
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CI software tools
Job Offer
- A competitive salary range, dependent on experience
- A permanent role with opportunities for professional growth
- A collaborative and supportive working environment
- Comprehensive training and development programmes
- The chance to lead impactful projects and make a meaningful difference
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Manufacturing
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
CI Manager employer: Michael Page Sales
Join a leading UK food manufacturer that prioritises continuous improvement and operational excellence. Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive training programmes while working in a supportive environment. Be part of a team that values people and drives meaningful change across multiple locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CI Manager
✨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 Michael Page Sales, 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 CI Manager
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 Michael Page Sales 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 Michael Page Sales
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Michael Page Sales, 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 Michael Page Sales 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.
