Gleeson is delighted to be partnering with a leading global manufacturing organisation in the search for a Lead Continuous Improvement Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced CI professional to join a well-established business that offers genuine career progression, long-term development, and the opportunity to drive meaningful operational improvements across the site.

Job Title: Lead CI Manager

Salary : £55 - £65,000

Locations: Devon

• Lead the development and implementation of robust, cost-effective manufacturing processes aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through Kaizen activities, cost-reduction initiatives, and operational excellence programmes.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented for quality and production-related issues.
• Develop team capability by coaching and mentoring colleagues in continuous improvement tools and best practices.
• Support new product introduction activities, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness are considered throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturing and Value Engineering activities to optimise product and process performance.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects and coordinate manufacturing support from product conception through to customer delivery.
• Identify, develop, and implement innovative manufacturing processes and technologies that support business growth and competitive advantage.
• Prepare and evaluate capital investment proposals, including ROI, payback, and NPV analysis.
• Develop, maintain, and audit manufacturing procedures and work instructions, both internally and across the supplier network.
• Monitor and drive performance against key operational KPIs, ensuring robust improvement plans are in place where required.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes and operational improvements.

Essential Skills & Experience :

• A background in manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement environments.
• Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing tools and driving process improvement initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience working with quality management systems such as ISO9001, AS9100, or similar.
• Comfortable using data and metrics to identify opportunities and measure performance improvements.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, production techniques, and quality standards.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects and delivering measurable business results.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control, process control, and quality improvement tools.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

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