Continuous Improvement Manager

Héroux-Devtek; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturing company located in Runcorn is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager responsible for facilitating initiatives that enhance productivity and reduce waste. This role requires leading cross-functional teams, conducting performance assessments, and implementing improvement strategies. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in continuous improvement and excellent problem-solving skills. A strong background in Lean methodologies is essential, and the company offers a supportive environment with a generous pension plan and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Generous pension plan with employer contribution

25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays

Remote work one day per week

Training and professional development opportunities

Social events for team building

Qualifications

• 5+ years in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or process improvement roles.
• Proved experience in relevant industry is a plus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to drive operational excellence and enhance productivity.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Project management skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

DMAIC

Kaizen

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Poka-Yoke

Job description

Heroux-Devtek, the world’s 3rd largest producer of landing gear, serves the civil and military aerospace markets from production facilities in North America, Europe and United Kingdom. The Company’s longevity, flexibility, and track record for the development and implementation of innovative production systems have distinguished it as a leader in the domain. With its most recent acquisitions, Heroux-Devtek is bolstering its status as one of the foremost landing gear, actuation and hydraulic system designers and manufacturers in the global aerospace industry.

Located in Runcorn, United Kingdom, our newly extended 120,000 sq. ft. facility is a fully integrated site offering comprehensive manufacturing, repair, and overhaul services to the major players in the landing gear industry.

Designated as a Center of Excellence, the facility specializes in surface treatment and assembly of small to medium-sized landing gear systems. As a key part of the Centre of Division, the facility supports several global programs, including: Gripen – SAAB, Hawk - BAE Systems, KF21 - Hanwha Aerospace, AW101 - Leonardo Helicopters

With a strong focus on cutting-edge technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and lean techniques, we are committed to delivering high-value, precision-engineered components for complex landing gear systems.

Summary Of Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and facilitating initiatives that drive operational excellence, enhance productivity, and reduce waste across the organization. This role will champion a culture of continuous improvement by applying Lean and other process improvement methodologies to deliver measurable business results.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a continuous improvement strategy aligned with business goals.
• Act as a change agent to foster a culture of continuous improvement across all departments.
• Lead cross-functional teams in identifying, analyzing, and executing improvement projects.
• Conduct process mapping, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and performance assessments.
• Identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvement progress.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and training sessions to build internal capabilities.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through documentation, training, and handover.
• Use data-driven approaches to identify trends, measure impact, and support decision-making.
• Collaborate with data teams to ensure accurate reporting and analysis of improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor employees on Lean, Six sigma and other CI tools and techniques.
• Build internal capability by developing CI champions within departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or process improvement roles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proficient in continuous improvement tools and methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Poka- Yoke).
• Experience in relevant industry is a plus.

What we Offer?

• Generous group pension plan with up to 7.5% employer contribution matched by employees. Competitive salaries tied to performance, reviewed annually for fairness.
• Standard 37-hour week – Runcorn/38.5 Nottingham, 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays. Remote work one day per week and Friday early logout by 1pm.
• Supportive environment investing in growth through mentorship, training, professional subscription, and certifications.
• Cultivating a culture where diversity is valued and respected, fostering innovation and organizational success.
• Our motivating work environment and leadership approach empower individuals to enact meaningful change and contribute positively to the organization's success.
• Friend referral bonuses and loyalty programs are accessible, providing incentives for referrals and encouraging loyalty among employees.
• Social events like BBQs, golf outings, and Christmas parties for team building and fostering a vibrant workplace culture.

Héroux-Devtek aims to grow as an industry leader by exceeding customer expectations through the dedication and commitment of its people.

Heroux-Devtek emphasizes a culture cantered on the "4 Rs": Respect, Responsibility, Recognition, and Resilience. This entails fostering quality relationships with customers, colleagues, and suppliers, ensuring quality delivery and fairness, acknowledging employee achievements, and promoting flexibility, openness, and tenacity among employees. This approach contributes to a stable workforce and reinforces an entrepreneurial spirit, guiding employees towards shared objectives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these characteristics.

User privacy is paramount, we are committed to safeguarding your personal data in compliance with GDPR regulations.