At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and integrate AI for enhanced problem-solving.
- Company: Join the world's largest cane sugar refiner and marketer, ASR Group®.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to innovate with AI.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to coach diverse teams and influence change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and shape the future of improvement.
- Qualifications: Strong manufacturing background and experience in CI methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Overview
The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
Role: Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: London, E16 2EW
Purpose
Drive the Next Evolution of Continuous Improvement. We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who can elevate problem solving across our UK ASR Operations and help shape the future of how we improve — including the integration of AI-enabled problem solving. This is a high-impact, self-directed role where you’ll lead the CI agenda across multiple sites, partner with global CI teams, and build the capability of our people so that CI becomes part of how we think, act, and operate every day. If you’re passionate about Lean, love coaching teams, and get excited about how AI can accelerate improvement, this is the role where you can make a real mark.
What You’ll Lead
- Operational Excellence: Standardise and optimise operating processes by identifying global best practices and embedding them locally. Diagnose processes, identify waste, and partner with site leaders to deliver measurable performance improvements. Lead CI assessments and maintain the UK CI roadmap aligned to global strategy. Support the rollout of a global Operating Management System that drives consistency and culture across all sites.
- Project Leadership: Facilitate CI projects using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, VSM). Champion CI tools and thinking across all departments. Work with CI Champions (dotted-line) across each department to embed CI into daily operations.
- AI Enabled Improvement: Bring curiosity or experience in applying AI to CI. Educate teams on how AI can enhance decision-making and accelerate improvement.
What You Bring
- Strong manufacturing background with progressively senior experience.
- Proven success applying CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, TOC).
- Experience in food, beverage, pharma, or CPG manufacturing (preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
- Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred) or Lean Leader certification.
- A passion for coaching, influencing, and building capability across diverse teams.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for how AI can transform CI.
Why This Role Matters
You won’t just run CI projects — you’ll raise the organisation’s problem-solving maturity, build a network of CI Champions, and help shape the next generation of improvement through AI-driven tools and insights. This is a role for someone who wants to lead, influence, innovate, and leave a legacy. At Tate & Lyle Sugars, our goal is to be the most admired sweetener Company.
Values (Selected)
- Service Excellence: Be the industry’s Gold Standard by a relentless focus on reliability, providing products with superior quality and excellent customer services.
- Efficiency and Sustainability: Eliminate inefficiency to be a sustainable, low-cost producer and to generate fuel for reinvestment.
- Value-Add: Create strategic advantage and enhanced profitability through value-added products and services.
The foundation of our values is Talent and Culture as we aim to build, retain and motivate a winning team.
Continuous Improvement Manager employer: Tate & Lyle Sugars
ASR Group® is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our operations. As a Continuous Improvement Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects, collaborate with global teams, and drive the integration of AI in problem-solving, all while being part of a culture that values talent development and sustainability. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee growth, ASR Group® provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference in the sweetener industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at ASR Group® on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these in past roles. We want to see your passion for continuous improvement shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your AI curiosity! Since this role involves integrating AI into CI, think of ways you've used or could use AI to enhance processes. Bring these ideas to the table during your discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ASR Group® family. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Highlight your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and any AI-related projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for continuous improvement and how you can elevate our operations. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of your past successes in CI — we love a good story!
Showcase Your Coaching Skills:Since this role involves building capability across teams, make sure to highlight your coaching and influencing skills. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate & Lyle Sugars
✨Know Your CI Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your Continuous Improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in manufacturing settings. This will show that you not only understand the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since this role involves building capability across teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've coached others in CI practices. Highlight any success stories where your guidance led to measurable improvements. This will demonstrate your passion for influencing and developing talent.
✨Embrace AI in CI
The job description mentions a focus on AI-enabled problem solving, so come equipped with ideas on how AI can enhance CI processes. Whether it's through data analysis or decision-making support, showing your curiosity and knowledge in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with ASR Group's values, such as Service Excellence and Efficiency. During the interview, relate your experiences to these values, demonstrating how you align with their mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a good cultural fit.
