Continuous Improvement Lead

AIM Internet; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A large manufacturer in Blackburn is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to drive Operational Excellence and Lean initiatives across the site. This pivotal role focuses on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The ideal candidate will have experience leading CI projects and a strong understanding of Lean principles, coaching employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Competitive salary of £40,000 offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading continuous improvement projects essential.
• Strong understanding of operational excellence principles.
• Proven ability to drive change across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Productivity Improvement Programme across the site.
• Facilitate idea-generation sessions for improvement.
• Coach employees on new improvement initiatives.
• Oversee multiple continuous improvement projects.
• Deliver Lean methodology training to site teams.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Data analysis

Coaching and mentoring

Problem solving

Project management

Job description

Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead

Large manufacturer Blackburn

£40,000

Job Purpose

The Continuous Improvement Lead is responsible for driving Operational Excellence and Lean transformation initiatives across the site, with a strong focus on shop‑floor execution. This role plays a pivotal part in achieving world‑class performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement throughout the organization.

The CI Lead will champion the development of site capability, culture, and performance in alignment with company objectives for Health & Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.

Core Accountabilities

• Lead and coordinate the sites annual Productivity Improvement Programme, ensuring adherence to plans and providing monthly performance updates.
• Facilitate structured idea‑generation and prioritization sessions to identify improvement opportunities.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels, becoming the primary contact for new improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date financial tracking and programme health data (Productivity Tracker).
• Identify and manage continuous improvement projects based on data analysis, observations, and team discussions.
• Oversee multiple CI projects simultaneously, applying Lean methodologies and established project governance.
• Develop data‑driven business cases and presentations to provide insights and recommendations for standardization and process improvement.
• Analyze and enhance manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve performance.
• Lead initiatives aimed at improving site profitability and supporting business growth.
• Conduct post‑implementation reviews to verify project success and define improvement standards.
• Ensure all CI projects are completed with robust control and sustainability plans.
• Deliver Lean methodology training covering standard work, structured problem solving, and waste reduction to site teams.
• Develop and execute a local CI strategy aligned with the overall Site Strategy.
• Promote cross‑functional collaboration and embed a positive CI culture across all departments.
• Collaborate with CI Specialists across other Berry facilities to share best practices and replicate successful initiatives.
• Drive the development and implementation of a comprehensive CI/Lean strategy and support cultural transformation.
• Partner with key stakeholders to sustain a continuous improvement environment and support ongoing change initiatives.
• Standardize CI project practices to ensure long‑term sustainability and process consistency.
• Strengthen collaboration across Technical, Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to achieve shared goals.
• Develop and manage systems to continuously monitor quality and operational performance against control plans, targets, budgets, and KPIs.
• Identify improvement opportunities using data analysis, value stream mapping, and other business inputs focusing on Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.
• Enhance data capture and process control systems across machinery and processes.
• Partner with Technical and Engineering Managers to deliver CI projects focused on process improvements, automation, new technology, and labor efficiency.
• Lead daily problem‑solving efforts to resolve manufacturing issues promptly.
• Support the introduction of new and existing products, ensuring robust process development and coaching for the engineering team.
• Coordinate the Phase Gate process to ensure R&D project objectives are met effectively.

Immediate interviews available

Please apply by attaching up to date CV