At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive real change in factory-level Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Company: High-performing Food & Drink manufacturing operation with a structured CI framework.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10-15% bonus, car allowance, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Own and influence CI strategies that make a tangible impact on operations.
- Qualifications: Senior CI leadership experience in FMCG or Food & Drink manufacturing.
- Other info: Visible role with authority to shape and improve site operations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Salary disclosed upon conversation. (It's paying well. Also comes with a 10-15% Bonus & Car allowance).
Northamptonshire
This isn't a CI role focused on maintaining frameworks. It's a leadership role built around driving real, factory-level change.
Our client is a complex, high-performing Food & Drink manufacturing operation operating within a structured, multi-pillar Continuous Improvement framework. They're now looking for a Head of Continuous Improvement to own the agenda at site level and take performance to the next stage of maturity.
The role:
- As Head of CI, you'll be responsible for how Continuous Improvement shows up on the factory floor - day in, day out.
- You'll lead CI / Excellence team, working across manufacturing, engineering, quality and supply chain, and partnering closely with the Site Director and senior leadership team.
Your focus will be on:
- Owning and delivering the site's CI strategy
- Leading deployment and maturity of a complex CI framework
- Coaching and developing leaders to embed CI behaviours
- Driving sustainable performance improvement, not short-term fixes
- Building capability, accountability and engagement across the factory
This is a visible, influential role with genuine authority to challenge, shape and improve how the site operates.
The experience required:
- Senior CI / Excellence leadership experience in blue-chip FMCG or Food & Drink manufacturing
- Worked within established, structured CI frameworks (multi-pillar, maturity-based models)
- Led change in complex, high-volume manufacturing environments
- Credibility at senior leadership level and presence on the shop floor
- A strong track record of delivering measurable improvement
- Formal qualifications are less important than depth of experience and results.
Why apply?
If you want ownership, influence and the chance to lead CI where it actually matters - inside the factory - this role offers the scope and backing to do exactly that. This is an opportunity to step into a true Head of Continuous Improvement position within a demanding, high-standards FMCG environment.
Apply now to find out more.
Senior CI Manager in Kettering employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior CI Manager in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food and drink manufacturing sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their CI frameworks and be ready to discuss how you can drive real change on the factory floor. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to coach and develop others. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to refine your approach. Make sure you can clearly articulate how you’ll build capability and engagement across the factory.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to take ownership and lead CI where it matters most.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior CI Manager in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience in CI roles. We want to see how you've driven real change in manufacturing environments, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence outcomes.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of CI in food and drink manufacturing, so make that clear in your application.
Be Specific About Achievements: When discussing your past roles, focus on measurable improvements you've delivered. Use numbers and data where possible to illustrate your impact. We love seeing concrete results that show how you’ve contributed to operational excellence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨Know Your CI Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in the multi-pillar Continuous Improvement frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in previous roles, and think of specific examples where you've driven real change on the factory floor.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so prepare to demonstrate your experience in coaching and developing teams. Think of instances where you've influenced senior leadership or engaged with shop floor staff to embed CI behaviours effectively.
✨Focus on Sustainable Improvements
Be prepared to talk about how you've achieved long-term performance improvements rather than quick fixes. Highlight any measurable results you've delivered in past roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can drive sustainable change.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture, especially in the Food & Drink manufacturing sector. During the interview, relate your experiences to their operational excellence goals and express how you can contribute to their high standards and performance expectations.