Continuous Improvement Lead

Saputo; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading dairy processor as a Continuous Improvement Lead. Drive operational improvements, establish best practices, and engage stakeholders to enhance manufacturing performance. Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Quarterly bonus scheme

Enhanced pension contributions

Health cash plan

Life assurance up to 4x salary

25 holidays plus 8 bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experienced in a supervisory or management role within manufacturing.
• Proven track record in operational improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive performance improvements across the site, achieving tangible benefits.
• Implement a robust performance measurement system that delivers cost reductions.

Skills

Lean Expert

Analytical

Leadership

Communication

Education

Black Belt

Six Sigma

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

SDUK's brands include the Nation’s favourite cheese brand Cathedral City plus other well-known butter & spreads (Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, Utterly Butterly), functional ingredients and dairy free products.

This position has been created to champion continuous improvement (CI) and lean manufacturing by establishing a sustainable improvement approach that can be adopted across the site.

The site is accustomed to change, with a focus on short to medium-term operational improvements within a defined structure, supporting operational development and driving improvements across all KPIs.

As the Continuous Improvement Lead, you will drive best practices by establishing processes and structures for the Manufacturing Performance System (MPS), supporting its implementation, and engaging stakeholders at all levels.

You will develop standards for the site’s operations and facilitate their implementation, applying best practices pragmatically within SDUK.

Your role involves driving performance improvements across the site, achieving tangible benefits through OEE, quality, and waste reduction.

YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY…

• Implementing a robust performance measurement system that delivers cost reductions
• Establishing and maintaining systems to monitor CI project progress
• Creating a framework for operational improvements across the site
• Supporting a framework for robust NPD and EPD processes
• Ensuring customer benefits through cost reduction, service improvements, and quality reliability
• Identifying capital investment opportunities and collaborating to develop business cases

YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE…

• Experienced in a supervisory or management role within manufacturing, with a proven track record in operational improvement projects
• A lean expert with formal qualifications/experience in CI methodologies (e.g., Black Belt, Six Sigma)
• Skilled in implementing lean techniques and developing teams across production areas
• A leadership presence with influencing skills and the ability to ensure consistency
• Technically proficient with the ability to train, coach, and mentor in lean manufacturing techniques
• A strong communicator capable of influencing at all levels
• Analytical, with the ability to interpret complex data, including financial, process, and product information
• Flexible to work across sites, sharing best practices

WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH…

• Quarterly bonus scheme
• Autonomous, inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for progression within the UK and internationally
• Enhanced pension contributions with Scottish Widows
• Health cash plan for healthcare expenses
• Access to Thrive, a 24/7 wellbeing app
• Recognition for long service every 5 years
• Life assurance up to 4x salary
• Discounted products and onsite parking
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• 25 holidays plus 8 bank holidays
• Exclusive benefits through My Staff Shop

For more information on our benefits, visit uk.saputo.com/en/careers/employee-benefits.

We support employment equity and diversity, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We provide necessary adjustments for applicants to support participation in the application and interview process.

Agencies: We work with a PSL and do not accept unsolicited CVs or pay fees unless briefed by our Talent Acquisition Team.

In the UK, Saputo is a leading manufacturer of branded cheese and dairy spreads, with brands like Cathedral City, Clover, and Wensleydale, along with a growing portfolio of dairy alternatives and specialized ingredients.

Your role, whether in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, or quality assurance, is vital to our success. Join us to make a difference alongside colleagues who care about your growth and success.