Continuous Improvement Manager

TN United Kingdom; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institution is looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to enhance operational efficiency in the higher education sector. This pivotal role involves leading a team to implement methodologies like Lean, Agile, and Kaizen, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that enhances both student and staff experiences. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments, driving initiatives that streamline processes and promote institutional excellence. If you are passionate about making a difference in education and possess a strong background in continuous improvement, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years leading continuous improvement efforts.
• Extensive experience in higher education operational structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across academic and administrative units.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Lean

Agile

Kaizen

Six Sigma

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Continuous Improvement Manager with extensive experience in the higher education sector to drive our efforts in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, with an emphasis on light touch approaches such as Lean, Agile, and Kaizen, and will use these skills to address the unique challenges in the higher education sector.

This is a full time on site role which requires close collaboration with both academic and administrative departments to foster a culture of continuous improvement that enhances the student and staff experience, streamlines processes, and promotes institutional excellence.

As the Continuous Improvement Manager, you will lead the continuous improvement (CI) function within the organisation and play a key role within the wider Business Improvement Unit (BIU). This includes managing a team and driving the development, implementation, and monitoring of CI strategies that align with the organisation's goals and the evolving needs of higher education.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across academic and administrative units, focusing on driving efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and elevating the student experience.
• Apply light touch methodologies (e.g., Lean, Agile, Kaizen) tailored to the specific needs of a higher education environment to streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities that directly impact student outcomes and organisational success.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and discussions staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement across all campuses.
• Support the Head of BIU to promote an ongoing mindset of innovation and efficiency, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Regularly assess the impact of continuous improvement projects, providing data-driven insights and feedback to stakeholders.
• Create, maintain, and present documentation, progress reports, and case studies on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advocate for and implement best practices in higher education continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with sector regulations and quality standards.
• Mentor and support staff in developing their continuous improvement competencies, enhancing the organisation's overall capability for sustained progress.
• Champion a culture of quality and excellence, ensuring that all initiatives are student-centered and contribute to an exceptional campus experience.
• Lead the team in applying sensitivity and discretion when handling confidential or complex issues, ensuring these are escalated appropriately.
• Oversee the day-to-day performance of the CI team, assigning tasks based on individual strengths and providing regular feedback through 1:1 meetings.
• Communicate project statuses, challenges, and successes to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment with institutional goals.
• Ensure all improvement initiatives meet regulatory requirements and higher education industry standards, maintaining a high standard of compliance and quality.
• Promote a positive, collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and the sharing of best practices across departments.

Requirements

• Educated to degree level.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading continuous improvement efforts, with proven success in applying light touch methodologies.
• Extensive experience working in higher education, with a deep understanding of the operational and academic structures within a university environment.
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives that result in measurable gains in efficiency, service quality, and student/staff satisfaction.
• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Agile, Kaizen, or Six Sigma.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire academic, administrative and managerial staff across various departments.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify key opportunities for improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects within a higher education context.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic higher education setting.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Proven ability to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) within a university setting.

Other Information

The Continuous Improvements Manager, will also be expected to demonstrate their commitment:

• To GBS values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.
• The GBS’s Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities and minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of GBS’s Environmental Policy.
• To their Health and Safety responsibilities to ensure their contribution to a safe and secure working environment for staff, students, and other visitors to the campus.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned.