Continuous Improvement Manager

gategroup; West Drayton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline catering company in the UK seeks a Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Manager to enhance operational performance through Lean methodologies. This role requires proven experience in utilizing Lean tools, alongside management skills to effectively coach diverse teams. Ideal candidates will hold GCSE Maths/Science and ideally a Lean Six Sigma certification. Enjoy a role that offers real career progression and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the aviation industry.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with Lean and CI tools in various industries.
• Experience in a management or supervisory role.
• Understanding of production systems including ERP.

Responsibilities

• Streamline operations and implement best practices.
• Conduct problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Develop performance management systems to measure efficiency.

Skills

Lean tools usage

Supervisory skills

Production systems knowledge

Ability to coach teams

Education

GCSE Maths / Science

Lean Six Sigma certification

Engineering or technical degree

Job description

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Manager

We're gategroup—the world's largest airline caterer. We feed millions of passengers annually across 200+ locations. Now we need someone to make us leaner, faster, and better.

What You'll Do

• Fix what's broken. Streamline what's clunky. Roll out best practice across our aviation and rail catering operations. You'll use Lean, Six Sigma, and proper problem‑solving tools to drive real improvements in quality, cost, and delivery.
• Conduct problem‑solving and root cause analysis using tools such as process mapping, Kaizen, value stream mapping, SMED, Poka‑yoke, FMEA, cause & effect analysis, and 5S to eliminate inefficiencies and defects.
• Develops and implements performance management systems that will help to measure and manage operational performance, compliance and quality.
• Partners with facilities operations managers, shift team leaders (in the operation) and compliance colleagues to plan and execute operational and tactical improvements.
• Drives development and rollout of technology tools into the operation.
• Partner with ops managers and shift leaders to identify waste, implement tech solutions, and embed our gateOPEX programme. Mentor teams, run kaizen events, analyse data, and deliver measurable wins.

This isn't desk‑bound consultancy—you'll be on‑site, getting your hands dirty, making change stick.

What You'll Need

Essential:

• Proven track record using Lean / CI tools in manufacturing, pharma, healthcare, engineering, or automotive.
• Management or supervisory experience.
• GCSE Maths / Science.
• Strong grasp of production systems (ERP, supply chain, planning).
• Ability to influence, coach, and get diverse teams pulling in the same direction.

Desirable:

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt).
• Engineering or technical degree.
• Project management credentials.

Why Join?

Career progression that's real (people genuinely move up, across, and internationally).

Work that fits your life. A global brand with local impact. And the satisfaction of fixing things that actually matter.

Interested? Apply now.