Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Doncasters; Chard Town; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Doncasters is seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Manager to drive efficiency, reduce costs and deliver sustainable savings across the site. You will lead CI initiatives using Lean, Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma, collaborating with Production, Engineering and Quality to maximise throughput and performance.

The role requires coaching Green Belts, leading projects, and translating data-led opportunities into practical actions that embed lasting change in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial/manufacturing/mechanical engineering or equivalent experience with Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt training.
• Experience participating in Kaizen activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead site-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy.
• Drive process optimisation and cost reduction using Lean, VSM and Six Sigma tools.
• Promote waste reduction and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Educate colleagues on Lean principles and CI methodologies.
• Monitor CI activities, progress and savings to stakeholders including senior management.
• Manage improvement projects with clear objectives, timescales and savings targets.
• Coach Green Belts and support suitable projects.
• Support Root Cause Analysis and corrective actions to improve quality and targets.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Quality to improve processes and throughput.
• Continuously review practices to exceed performance targets and standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Mapping

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Project Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt training or certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Role

As Continuous Improvement Manager, you will drive business efficiency, reduce costs and deliver sustainable savings through the identification and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. Using Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma methodologies, you will optimise processes, improve productivity and maximise operational performance.

Working collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Quality and other functions, you will lead improvement projects, support the adoption of effective manufacturing methods and foster a culture of continuous improvement, waste reduction and operational excellence across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, lead and implement site-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy and project plans.
• Drive process optimisation and cost reduction through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma tools.
• Promote and embed a culture of waste identification and elimination, encouraging teams to challenge existing practices and seek better ways of working.
• Support and educate colleagues across functions on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor, report and communicate CI activities, project progress and savings to stakeholders at all levels, including senior management.
• Manage improvement projects to ensure agreed objectives, timescales and savings targets are achieved.
• Coach and mentor Green Belts, identifying and supporting suitable improvement projects.
• Support Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action processes to improve quality and achieve business targets.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams to improve the working environment, manufacturing processes and product throughput.
• Continuously review working practices, driving sustainable improvements and striving to exceed performance targets and standards.

Interested?

The successful candidate will be improvement-driven, with a strong focus on identifying root causes and implementing practical, data-led solutions that deliver measurable, sustainable results. They will translate improvement opportunities into effective actions, engage operational teams and embed lasting change within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

To succeed you will have …

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience alongside lean Six Sigma Green/ Black Belt training and or/ certificate.
• Experience participating in Kaizen activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with project management systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• People leadership skills, including motivating teams, providing direction and working collaboratively.