At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead process improvement projects and drive meaningful changes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Respected manufacturing business with a strong operational heritage and exciting future.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership, clear career progression, and investment in your development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning data into action and improving team performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing process improvement and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
There are moments in a career where experience, influence and timing all line up. This is one of them.
Our client is a long-established, highly respected manufacturing business with a proud operational heritage and an exciting future ahead. Having invested heavily in people, technology and infrastructure, they are now looking for a Process Improvement Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of their operation.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the process, thrives on data-led decision making, and gets genuine satisfaction from seeing improvements take root on the shop floor - not just on paper.
The Opportunity
At the heart of the operation sits a complex, fast-moving production environment. Your mission will be to identify, plan and deliver meaningful improvements that drive quality, productivity and cost performance - while strengthening the link between core production and downstream operations.
You will be trusted with real responsibility, supported by an engaged senior leadership team, and given the space to make your mark. This isn’t about firefighting - it’s about building capability, embedding best practice and leaving things better than you found them.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Driving Process Improvement
- Leading end-to-end improvement projects using data analysis, optimisation tools and structured problem-solving.
- Developing and delivering improvement and bottleneck plans focused on quality, waste reduction and throughput.
- Evaluating existing processes and introducing best-practice solutions that stick.
- Managing process control strategies to maximise system performance and product consistency.
- Creating, embedding and maintaining clear standard operating procedures.
- Integration & Collaboration
- Strengthening integration between core production and conversion teams through targeted projects, reviews and feedback loops.
- Acting as a key link between production, engineering, quality and planning to ensure alignment and flow.
- Leadership & Change
- Coaching Charge Hands and operational teams through process changes and new ways of working.
- Identifying training and change-management needs and helping teams adapt confidently.
- Performance & Governance
- Developing tools to track, analyse and report KPIs that genuinely drive performance.
- Supporting investigations into quality concerns and customer complaints through detailed data interrogation.
- Championing health, safety and environmental excellence - leading by example at all times.
What Success Looks Like
You will know you’re succeeding when:
- Waste is falling, productivity is rising and quality is visibly improving.
- Teams understand the “why” behind changes - and own them.
- Data is trusted, used and acted upon.
- The operation feels calmer, more predictable and better connected.
- You’re seen as a go-to problem solver and future leader.
What We’re Looking For
This role would suit someone who combines technical understanding with people-first leadership.
Background & Experience
- Proven experience in a manufacturing process improvement or CI role.
- Strong analytical capability with confidence using data to drive decisions.
- Experience working closely with production teams in fast-paced environments.
- Exposure to process control systems (Escada knowledge is advantageous).
- Understanding of operational management platforms such as OMP would be beneficial.
Traits & Behaviours
- Naturally collaborative with strong interpersonal skills.
- Performance-driven, organised and results-oriented.
- Comfortable taking a strategic view while staying hands-on.
- Calm, credible and able to influence without authority.
- Curious, resilient and motivated by continuous improvement.
Progression & Support
This is a business that invests in its people. You will be supported by a visible, engaged senior leadership team who value improvement, development and internal progression. For the right individual, this role offers a clear pathway into broader operational or senior leadership positions as the business continues to grow and evolve.
If you’re someone who enjoys turning complexity into clarity, data into action, and teams into high performers - this could be a genuinely rewarding next step.
Process Improvement Manager in Peterborough employer: Zest
Contact Detail:
Zest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Improvement Manager in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the manufacturing and process improvement space. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past process improvement projects. Highlight the data-driven decisions you made and the results achieved. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by being prepared! Research the company’s current processes and think about how you could improve them. Bring specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. This shows you're not just talking the talk but can walk the walk too.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make some magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Process Improvement Manager in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Process Improvement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in manufacturing and continuous improvement, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role thrives on data-led decision making, don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data analysis to drive improvements in past roles. We want to see your analytical capabilities shine!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: We’re keen on candidates who can lead and coach teams through change. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed process changes or led improvement projects, and let us know how you engaged your team.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨Know Your Data
As a Process Improvement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Before the interview, brush up on relevant data analysis techniques and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of successful projects where data led to tangible improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership and collaboration skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've coached teams through change or improved processes. Highlight your ability to influence without authority and how you’ve fostered a culture of continuous improvement among your colleagues.
✨Understand the Company’s Operations
Research the manufacturing business thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, challenges they might face, and any recent news about their operations. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show your genuine interest in the company and its future.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential bottlenecks or quality issues that could arise in a manufacturing setting and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.