Head of Continuous Improvement

We are supporting a major UK industrial organisation through a significant period of transformation and investment. As part of this journey, the business are seeking a Head of Continuous Improvement. An exceptional leader to build the capability, strategy and culture required to deliver sustainable improvements across the organisation.

This is far more than a traditional CI position. It is an opportunity to shape strategy, build a high-performing function and influence meaningful cultural and operational change across a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment.

The Role

As Head of Continuous Improvement, you will lead the development and deployment of the organisation's improvement strategy, delivering measurable improvements across, Safety, Quality, Productivity, Reliability, Cost, and Operational performance.

You will work across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and wider support functions to embed Lean, Six Sigma and Operational Excellence methodologies.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and leading a Continuous Improvement function.
• Developing the organisation's CI and Operational Excellence strategy.
• Identifying and prioritising high-value improvement opportunities.
• Leading significant operational and business improvement programmes.
• Developing internal Lean and CI capability through coaching and training.
• Embedding structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Building a culture of accountability, ownership and sustainable improvement.
• Working closely with senior leadership to deliver measurable business results.
• Developing future CI and operational leaders within the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a proven Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence leader with significant experience within a complex manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.

You will ideally bring:

• Extensive Lean, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence experience.
• A proven track record of delivering operational, financial and cultural transformation.
• Experience building or developing CI capability across a large organisation.
• Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder influencing skills.
• The credibility to operate effectively from the shop floor through to executive level.
• A practical, commercially focused approach to improvement.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent experience/qualification.