CI Manager

CI Manager

Full-Time 52000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
W

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and efficiency.
  • Company: Join a market-leading manufacturing company in Worcestershire on an exciting growth journey.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary of £65,000-£70,000 plus benefits.
  • Why this job: Be pivotal in driving change and embedding a CI mindset across the business.
  • Qualifications: Master Black Belt preferred with experience in Continuous Improvement in manufacturing.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence and lead without direct authority.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 84000 £ per year.

W Talent Manufacturing and Engineering are supporting a market leading Manufacturing company based in Worcestershire to find a Head of Continuous Improvement. This business is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and is on an exciting growth journey. The Head of Continuous Improvement will join the site senior leadership team and be imperative in supporting all functions of the organisation on their CI initiatives.

The Head of Continuous Improvement is focused on leading and embedding a culture of Continuous Improvement across this manufacturing facility based in Worcestershire, driving operational performance through Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and other CI methodologies. The role will focus on optimising production by improving efficiency, reducing waste, increasing OEE, and establishing sustainable standard work practices.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and deliver a Continuous Improvement strategy aligned to company growth and manufacturing performance objectives.
  • Champion Lean tools including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, VSM, Standard Work, DMAIC and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Lead CI projects to improve productivity, material yield, batch changeover efficiency, cost reduction and product throughput.
  • Analyse production performance data (OEE, scrap, downtime, labour efficiency, capacity utilisation) and produce actionable improvement plans.
  • Train, coach and mentor operational teams and line leaders to increase CI capability and engagement.
  • Facilitate cross-functional workshops to identify process bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
  • Support commissioning of new equipment, processes and automation with CI principles.
  • Partner with Planning to optimise flow, scheduling and batch sequencing.
  • Produce business cases for investment and track project ROI.
  • Maintain and promote a culture of problem solving, accountability, and continuous improvement across the site.
  • Support compliance with quality standards, HSE requirements and environmental regulations.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
  • A Master Black belt is desired.
  • Proven background in Continuous Improvement within FMCG, chemical, food, or related manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of Lean tools and methodologies.
  • Demonstrable project delivery with measurable business impact.
  • Ability to analyse data and translate insights into improvement plans.
  • Strong influencing, coaching and communication skills at all levels.
  • Experience working within high-volume, fast-paced operational environments.
  • Experience supporting automation projects or digital performance systems.
  • Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
  • High energy, proactive and resilient.
  • Strong communicator and facilitator.
  • Comfortable challenging the status quo.
  • Collaborative and able to lead without direct authority.

£65,000-£70,000 plus benefits. Join a business who is passionate about change and be pivotal in embedding a CI mindset across the business.

CI Manager employer: W Talent

Join a dynamic and innovative manufacturing company in Worcestershire that prioritises continuous improvement and employee development. With a strong commitment to high-quality products and a culture that embraces Lean methodologies, this organisation offers excellent growth opportunities, competitive salaries, and a collaborative work environment where your contributions will be valued and impactful. Be part of a team that is not only driving operational excellence but also fostering a culture of accountability and problem-solving.
W

Contact Detail:

W Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land CI Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that CI Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your Lean and Six Sigma knowledge. We recommend having real-life examples ready to showcase how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles. Show them you’re the right fit for their exciting growth journey!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding their values and how they approach CI will help you tailor your responses during interviews. We want you to demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too.

✨Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the manufacturing world.

We think you need these skills to ace CI Manager

Continuous Improvement Strategy Development
Lean Methodologies
Kaizen
Six Sigma
5S
SMED
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
DMAIC
Root Cause Analysis
Data Analysis
Project Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Problem Solving
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CI Manager role. Highlight your experience with Lean tools, project delivery, and any relevant achievements in Continuous Improvement.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven CI initiatives in the past and how you can contribute to our exciting growth journey.

Showcase Your Data Skills: Since analysing production performance data is key, make sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis and how you've used insights to drive improvements. Numbers speak volumes!

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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.

How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent

✨Know Your CI Methodologies

Make sure you brush up on Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these tools in past roles, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the concepts.

✨Data-Driven Insights

Prepare to talk about how you've used data to drive improvements in production performance. Bring examples of how you've analysed metrics like OEE, scrap rates, or downtime, and what actionable plans you developed from those insights.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Continuous Improvement, you'll need to lead and influence without direct authority. Think of examples where you've successfully coached or mentored teams, and be ready to share how you fostered a culture of accountability and problem-solving.

✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams

Highlight your experience in facilitating workshops and collaborating with different departments. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified process bottlenecks and improvement opportunities through teamwork, as this is crucial for driving CI initiatives across the organisation.

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