Continuous Improvement Manager

Always Candid; Darwen; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Always Candid is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager for a major FMCG operation in the UK North West. This visible, hands-on role will shape the next phase of investment, modernisation and operational development across multiple sites.

You will lead Lean, Six Sigma and WCM initiatives, embed 5S and visual management, and develop CI capability throughout the workforce, ensuring improvements are sustained and measurable.

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing environment essential.
• Lean, Six Sigma, WCM or equivalent formal training highly relevant.
• Lead cross-site CI projects and build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong people skills to engage teams and drive change.
• Hands-on CI with focus on sustainability and measurable benefits.

Responsibilities

• Build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement across sites.
• Identify and deliver measurable operational and cost improvements.
• Improve availability, quality and right-first-time performance.
• Lead structured improvement projects using Lean and WCM.
• Embed 5S, visual management, problem-solving and standardised processes.
• Develop CI capability throughout the workforce.
• Ensure improvements are sustained, not simply delivered and forgotten.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

WCM

5S

Visual management

Problem-solving

Standardised processes

CI leadership

Change management

Tools

Lean tools

CI tools

Job description

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER - FMCG

UK Manufacturing | North West

Up to £70,000 Base Salary with Bonus & Benefits

Start Date - As soon as possible

Are you a Continuous Improvement leader who can do more than introduce tools and processes?

I'm working confidentially with a major UK manufacturer at an important stage of investment, modernisation and operational development.

Now part of a highly successful international group, the business is strengthening its UK manufacturing footprint and creating a genuinely exciting opportunity for an experienced CI professional to help shape the next phase.

This is a visible, hands-on role with the scope to influence teams across multiple sites. You'll work alongside operational leaders to:

• Build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement
• Identify and deliver measurable operational and cost improvements
• Improve availability, quality and right-first-time performance
• Lead structured improvement projects using Lean and WCM methodologies
• Embed 5S, visual management, problem-solving and standardised processes
• Develop CI capability throughout the workforce
• Ensure improvements are sustained, not simply delivered and forgotten

The business is looking for someone who combines strong technical CI knowledge with excellent people skills. You'll need to engage people at every level, challenge constructively and bring teams with you through change.

You could currently be a Continuous Improvement Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Lean Manager, Manufacturing Excellence Lead or an experienced CI Engineer ready for broader responsibility.

Experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment is essential. Lean, Six Sigma, WCM or equivalent formal training would be highly relevant.

This is a progressive, safety-led and people-focused organisation that is investing in its operations, technology and workforce. It offers the chance to make a tangible impact within a business that takes continuous improvement seriously.

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