Head of Continuous Improvement

Founded in 2003 Wasabi\’s vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation. Wasabi now has 40 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York and in 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, setting new standards for quality and innovation. Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite. We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion. As we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation, we’re thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Head of Continuous Improvement to join our Team based in Park Royal. The Role: We are looking for someone to develop a culture of Continuous Improvement across the business to deliver the business strategy and financial targets. Key Responsibilities: Develop a CI vision for the business linked to the overall business Vision, Purpose & Strategy. Support the development of and maintain a rolling 5-year business strategy covering business growth, cost reduction, brand development, targeted improvements and business culture. Create a 5-year rolling CI Strategy aligned to the business strategy that will transform business ways of working making Wasabi a leader in all channels that it operates within. Using methods such as Lean, Kaizen or Six Sigma to create a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI) across all business functions where all team members are engaged in delivering to standard and voluntarily finding better ways to add value to our customers, our business and our shareholders every day. Develop detailed CI standard ways of working for use across the business. Train and coach Senior Leaders on these standards and develop confirmation mechanisms to ensure that standards are being delivered. Lead a team of Managers & Coordinators to develop, implement, train, coach & confirm CI at all levels in the business. Work with senior stakeholders to support in identifying opportunities for year-on-year improvement in KPIs across all business units. Benchmark business performance versus competitors and leading Lean businesses to ensure Wasabi outperform their competitive set on all metrics. Lead technological advancement in processes, machinery, robotics and digital systems to ensure Wasabi innovate ahead of the market for both current and future product portfolios. Manage business complexity through constant smart simplification of ways of working to keep Wasabi nimble & agile. Coach, guide and challenge all business Leaders including the Wasabi board to constantly seek better ways of working. Document and continuously improve the Wasabi Business Operating Model across Structures, Roles, Systems of Work, Performance Management and Governance. Use CI methods to identify ways Wasabi can live and continuously improve our ESG strategy. Our Requirements: Proven track record of Lean Food Manufacture and/ or Retail / Continuous Improvement delivery at total business level Track record of creating a strong culture of involvement and influence with people through empowerment and coaching Formal training and qualification in Lean or Six Sigma An excellent planner with strong discipline. Exceptional analytical & problem-solving skill Excellent communication skills – written and verbal Excellent coach who listens to the needs of all stakeholders and can build programmes of work that meet differing needs. A facilitative leader who delivers through others, gaining buy-in, involvement and drive for delivery from all stakeholders. Complete understanding of business operating model best practice. Dynamic, focussed and relentless attitude to improving ways of working. Leader & team player who has the ability to work in partnership & challenge peers & superiors. A people person with the ability to engage at all levels and a desire to help people become the best they can be. Humble with a high degree of Emotional Intelligence. The ability to Inspire others to deliver beyond their current reality and capability In Return we provide: A great working environment Pension scheme Target Bonus Refer A Friend Scheme Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available) 50% discount in our Branches Employee Assistant Programme (email address removed) (a service providing health and wellbeing support) Long Service Awards Wagestream – a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings Life Assurance Cycle To Work Free on-site parking A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company. Our people make us who we are. If you\’re looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can\’t wait to hear from you. COME ROLL WITH US