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- Tasks: Lead site-wide improvement projects in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Well-established food manufacturer with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in Continuous Improvement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence change and develop teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: South Yorkshire (commutable from Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and surrounding areas)
Hours: Monday–Friday
Salary: £60,000–£70,000 + benefits
Are you a driven Continuous Improvement professional ready to take ownership of site-wide improvement projects within a fast-moving food manufacturing environment? Protea Recruitment is proud to partner with a well-established food manufacturer seeking an experienced CI Manager to lead their continuous improvement agenda. This is a key leadership position within the operations function, focused on embedding lean principles, driving performance, and supporting long-term site development.
The Role
- Lead and deliver operational excellence initiatives across all functions.
- Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimise processes, and drive efficiency gains across labour, materials, and overheads.
- Leading the development and rollout of Lean and CI programmes to build capability across all levels.
- Coaching teams in problem-solving and root cause analysis to create a culture of continuous improvement.
- Supporting TPM and asset care initiatives to enhance reliability and performance.
- Establishing and tracking key performance metrics to measure and sustain progress.
- Facilitating improvement workshops and sharing best practices across teams and sites.
- Driving engagement and alignment around safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
About You
- You’ll be a proactive and influential leader who thrives on driving change and developing people.
- You enjoy translating strategy into action and are motivated by measurable results.
Essential:
- Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimisation within manufacturing.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, able to influence and motivate at all levels.
- Track record of delivering measurable improvements using Lean or CI methodologies.
- Analytical and data-driven, with excellent problem-solving and planning skills.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.
Desirable:
- Background in the food, drink, or wider FMCG manufacturing sector.
- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
- Degree or HND in Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.
How to Apply
For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Matt Steedman at Protea Recruitment: matt@protearecruitment.com | 0131 378 2530. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this position; applicants must have full rights to work in the UK.
Continuous Improvement Manager employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Continuous Improvement Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Lean and CI methodologies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in previous roles. We want to see that you can translate your experience into actionable insights that align with the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that resonate with your values and career aspirations. Use our website to find roles that match your skills and interests, and tailor your approach to each one. It shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you're the perfect fit for their Continuous Improvement agenda.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Highlight your experience in Lean and CI methodologies, and don’t forget to showcase any measurable improvements you've achieved in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about continuous improvement in food manufacturing and how your skills align with the job description. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a CI Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to influence and motivate teams. Share examples of how you've led successful projects or initiatives in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Lean methodologies and Continuous Improvement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles, especially in a manufacturing context. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a CI Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've influenced teams and driven change in previous positions. Think about specific situations where you coached others in problem-solving or facilitated improvement workshops.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires analytical skills, come prepared with metrics or data from your past experiences that highlight your successes in driving efficiency and performance improvements. Discuss how you established key performance indicators and tracked progress over time.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can align your continuous improvement initiatives with their goals, particularly around safety, quality, cost, and delivery. Showing that you understand and can contribute to their culture will set you apart.