Continuous Improvement Manager

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established food manufacturer in Central Scotland is seeking a CI Manager to lead continuous improvement projects across operations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in process optimisation and strong leadership skills to drive measurable improvements. Responsibilities include implementing Lean methodologies, coaching teams, and managing performance metrics. This full-time role requires a degree in engineering or food science, with a focus on operational excellence and safety.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimisation within manufacturing.
• Ability to influence and motivate teams at all levels.
• Background in food, drink, or FMCG manufacturing sector.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements using Lean or CI methodologies.
• Analytical and data-driven, with strong problem-solving and planning abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.
• Background in the food, drink, or wider FMCG manufacturing sector.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
• Degree or HND in Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence initiatives across all functions.
• Coach teams in problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Facilitate improvement workshops and share best practices.
• Establishing and tracking key performance metrics to measure and sustain progress.
• Facilitating improvement workshops and sharing best practices across teams and sites.
• Driving engagement and alignment around safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean methodologies

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Communication

Education

Degree or HND in Engineering, Food Science, or related discipline

Background in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner

This range is provided by Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner

CI Manager – Food Manufacturing

Central Scotland

Monday–Friday

Are you a driven Continuous Improvement professional ready to take ownership of site-wide improvement projects within a fast‑moving food manufacturing environment?

Protea Recruitment is proud to partner with a well‑established food manufacturer seeking an experienced CI Manager to lead their continuous improvement agenda. This is a key leadership position within the operations function, focused on embedding lean principles, driving performance, and supporting long‑term site development.

The Role

As CI Manager, you’ll lead and deliver operational excellence initiatives across all functions. You’ll work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, and cross‑functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimise processes, and drive efficiency gains across labour, materials, and overheads.

Your Responsibilities

• Leading the development and rollout of Lean and CI programmes to build capability across all levels.
• Coaching teams in problem‑solving and root cause analysis to create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Supporting TPM and asset care initiatives to enhance reliability and performance.
• Establishing and tracking key performance metrics to measure and sustain progress.
• Facilitating improvement workshops and sharing best practices across teams and sites.
• Driving engagement and alignment around safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

About You

You’ll be a proactive and influential leader who thrives on driving change and developing people. You enjoy translating strategy into action and are motivated by measurable results.

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimisation within manufacturing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, able to influence and motivate at all levels.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements using Lean or CI methodologies.
• Analytical and data‑driven, with excellent problem‑solving and planning skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.
• Background in the food, drink, or wider FMCG manufacturing sector.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
• Degree or HND in Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.

Seniority level: Associate. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Production and Manufacturing. Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Chemical Manufacturing.