Continuous Improvement Manager

About the Business

I’m working with a fast-growing manufacturing business that’s really investing in its site, its people, and its equipment. They’re in a strong growth phase and putting a lot into improving how the factory runs day to day.

It’s a hands-on environment where things are moving quickly, so it suits someone who likes being close to the action and making real changes rather than just talking about them.

The Role

This is a key role in the business, taking ownership of line performance and helping bring new equipment into the factory properly. It’s not just about getting machines in, it’s about making sure they actually run well, hit targets, and keep improving.

You’ll be working across engineering, operations, and suppliers, acting as the link between them and making sure projects and improvements land properly.

What You Will Be Doing

• Taking full ownership of how the production lines perform, making sure they’re running consistently and hitting targets rather than firefighting issues as they come up
• Leading the introduction of new machinery into the factory, from getting it installed through to making sure it’s properly embedded and running at the level it should be
• Working closely with suppliers and internal teams to keep projects on track, making sure timelines, costs, and expectations are all aligned
• Supporting the setup and launch of new equipment, making sure it’s tested properly and handed over into production in a stable condition
• Driving performance once new lines are live, focusing on getting them up to speed quickly in terms of output, quality, and reliability
• Getting into the detail on downtime, understanding the real causes and putting fixes in place that actually last
• Identifying where production is being held back and delivering improvements that make a noticeable difference to output
• Partnering with engineering to improve reliability longer term, not just quick fixes but putting proper plans in place
• Looking at how lines run day to day and finding ways to make them smoother, whether that’s changeovers, start-ups, or general flow
• Keeping a clear view of performance and project progress so there’s always visibility on what’s working and what needs attention
• Acting as the go-between for engineering, operations, and external partners to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction

What They Are Looking For

• Experience in a CI, manufacturing, or engineering-led role
• Background in delivering or supporting equipment projects
• Good understanding of OEE, downtime, and line performance
• Someone who can get stuck in and solve problems properly
• Comfortable working with different teams and external suppliers
• Able to work at pace and deal with changeSomeone who takes ownership and follows things through