Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead

Swift Temps Ltd; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Lancashire is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to drive operational excellence and Lean transformation across its site. The role involves leading productivity initiatives, mentoring teams, and managing CI projects to improve efficiency. Ideal candidates will have experience in Continuous Improvement and proficiency in Lean tools. This is a full-time permanent position offering the opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Lean tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the site's annual Productivity Improvement Programme.
• Coach and mentor teams at all levels to foster a culture of innovation.
• Develop data-driven performance metrics for productivity./

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Leadership

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead

Contract: Permanent | Full-time

Reports to: Manufacturing Manager

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Continuous Improvement Lead to drive Operational Excellence and Lean transformation across a fast-paced manufacturing site. This role plays a key part in achieving world-class standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, while embedding a strong culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the site's annual Productivity Improvement Programme, ensuring all initiatives are tracked, reviewed, and reported monthly.
• Coach and mentor teams at all levels, encouraging ideas generation and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Identify and manage multiple CI projects using established Lean principles and structured governance.
• Develop and maintain data-driven performance metrics, ensuring productivity and programme health data are kept accurate and up to date.
• Deliver business cases and analytical reports to support process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Technical teams to optimise manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to verify success and implement robust control plans.
• Support and train teams in Lean tools and methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, problem-solving, and standard work.
• Develop a site-wide CI strategy aligned with business objectives and promote collaboration across departments and other sites.
• Drive profitability and growth through targeted process improvements and sustainable practices.
• Participate in new product introductions and strategic projects, ensuring alignment with CI goals and operational excellence.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and engage teams across all levels.
• Proficiency in Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, DMAIC, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Competent in data reporting and presentation using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or similar tools.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on approach and a passion for driving cultural change.

Desirable

• Six Sigma qualification (Green or Black Belt).
• Experience with digital data capture or process control systems.
• Exposure to multi-site collaboration within a manufacturing group.