Continuous Improvement Manager

Puratos; Buckingham; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Plan

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Cycle to Work

5 Weeks Annual Leave

Job summary

Puratos Buckingham is seeking a passionate Continuous Improvement Manager to shape the future of our UK manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead the Global Operational Excellence programme across Buckingham, Fringford and Fourayes, driving Health & Safety, Quality, People, Service and Cost improvements.

You will build capability, coach leaders in Lean and problem-solving, and ensure sustainable improvements through governance and change management.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean Manufacturing.
• Experience leading change programmes within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Practical experience of Lean, Kaizen, DMAIC and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Excellent analytical capability with the ability to translate data into practical actions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to engage people at all levels.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Science or a related discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Puratos' Operational Excellence programme across the UK cluster.
• Partner with site leadership teams to create and deliver improvement roadmaps aligned to business priorities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and deliver sustainable operational improvements.
• Track progress, measure outcomes and ensure improvement initiatives deliver lasting results.
• Develop Continuous Improvement knowledge and capability throughout the organisation.
• Coach managers and leaders in problem solving, Lean methodologies and operational excellence tools.
• Deliver training and mentoring that supports long-term capability growth.
• Create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday working practices.
• Facilitate improvement projects using methodologies such as Kaizen, DMAIC and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Support value stream mapping, loss and waste analysis and performance improvement projects.
• Use data and insight to identify priorities and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.
• Share best practice across sites and support cross-functional collaboration.
• Support the development and implementation of site-wide Management Operating Systems (MOS).
• Help leaders establish effective routines, key performance indicators and standard ways of working.
• Coach managers through Gemba activities and Leader Standard Work practices.
• Ensure improvements are sustained through effective governance, review processes and change management.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Lean Manufacturing

Coaching & Facilitation

Stakeholder Management

Data Analysis

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Location: Buckingham based with occasional travel across UK sites

Salary: Up to £70,000 + Car Allowance

Join the Magic

At Puratos, we don't just manufacture ingredients; we help create bakery, patisserie and chocolate products enjoyed around the world every day.

Our Buckingham site manufactures high-quality food ingredients and solutions that help our customers create products consumers know and love. As we continue our journey of Operational Excellence, we're looking for a passionate and driven Continuous Improvement Manager to help shape the future of our manufacturing operations across the UK cluster.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you'll lead the implementation of Puratos' Global Operational Excellence programme, partnering with leaders across Buckingham, Fringford and Fourayes to drive measurable improvements in Health & Safety, Quality, People, Service and Cost.

This is a highly visible role that combines continuous improvement, change management, capability building and operational leadership. You'll influence at all levels of the business, helping teams identify opportunities, eliminate waste, improve performance and embed sustainable ways of working.

If you are energised by solving problems, developing people and leading meaningful change, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead Our Operational Excellence Journey

• Lead the implementation of Puratos' Operational Excellence programme across the UK cluster.
• Partner with site leadership teams to create and deliver improvement roadmaps aligned to business priorities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and deliver sustainable operational improvements.
• Track progress, measure outcomes and ensure improvement initiatives deliver lasting results.

Build Capability Across the Business

• Develop Continuous Improvement knowledge and capability throughout the organisation.
• Coach managers and leaders in problem solving, Lean methodologies and operational excellence tools.
• Deliver training and mentoring that supports long-term capability growth.
• Create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday working practices.

Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement

• Facilitate improvement projects using methodologies such as Kaizen, DMAIC and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Support value stream mapping, loss and waste analysis and performance improvement projects.
• Use data and insight to identify priorities and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.
• Share best practice across sites and support cross-functional collaboration.
• Support the development and implementation of site-wide Management Operating Systems (MOS).
• Help leaders establish effective routines, key performance indicators and standard ways of working.
• Coach managers through Gemba activities and Leader Standard Work practices.
• Ensure improvements are sustained through effective governance, review processes and change management.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence or Lean Manufacturing.
• Experience leading change programmes within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Practical experience of Lean, Kaizen, DMAIC and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Excellent analytical capability with the ability to translate data into practical actions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to engage people at all levels.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Science or a related discipline is desirable.

What you can expect from Puratos

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respecting work environment by putting people first.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

The benefits with this role include.

Competitive Salary – Reviewed annually to ensure we stay ahead of the market.

Annual Bonus Scheme – 5% standard, with stretch potential up to 10%.

Generous Pension Plan – Up to 7.5% employer contributions to support your future.

Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover fully paid, with options to add family members.

Up to 5 Weeks Annual Leave – Plus the flexibility to buy or sell additional days.

Enhanced Company Sick Pay – Because your health matters.

Learning & Development – Structured programs with a target of 5 learning days per year.

Wellbeing Matters – Access to our ‘Calling for Caring’ wellbeing initiatives.

Life Assurance – 2x your salary plus a 20% spouse pension.

Income Protection – Financial support when you need it most.

Loyal Service Awards – Celebrating your milestones with us.

Employee Assistance Program – Confidential support for life’s challenges.

High Street Discounts – Save with Perkbox perks.

Monthly ‘Magic Star’ Awards – Win £50 in vouchers for going above and beyond.

Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay healthy

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about helping others grow and want to be part of something magical, we’d love to hear from you.

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.We are more than 10.000 employees in over 80 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.