Continuous Improvement Manager – Newport

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd; Newport; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 14%

Pension matching 4%

33 days holidays

EAP

Job summary

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager for a seasoned FMCG site in Newport. You will lead and embed Lean initiatives across safety, quality, delivery, and cost, coaching teams in problem solving and data-driven improvements.

The role offers a starting salary of £50,000 with an annual bonus up to 14%, a 4% matched pension, 33 days holidays, and access to confidential support.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CI/Operational Excellence in FMCG
• Knowledge of Lean tools: Kaizen, VSM, 5S, standard work, visual management, SMED
• Lean Six Sigma qualification desirable; Green Belt preferred
• Excel and Power BI reporting; experience with MRP/ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the site, delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity.
• Use operational data to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate inefficiencies and drive sustainable performance improvements.
• Coach and develop teams in Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving and root cause analysis techniques.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, Technical and Supply Chain teams to remove constraints and optimise processes.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement through effective project governance, performance tracking and standardisation of best practices.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

Value Stream

5S

Visual management

Root cause analysis

Coaching

Team leadership

Education

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Power BI

Excel

MRP/ERP

Job description

Continuous Improvement Manager

Newport

28733/611

£50,000 plus annual bonus

Benefits Package

• A starting salary of £50,000
• Annual bonus – up to 14%
• 4% matched pension
• 33 days holidays
• EAP

A well-established South Wales manufacturer is currently investing in its operations and looking to strengthen its leadership team. With a strong reputation for quality, long-standing customer relationships, and significant production capabilities, this business offers the opportunity to join a stable and growing organisation that supplies products to major retailers and brands across the UK.

Role & Responsibilities

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is responsible for leading, facilitating and embedding continuous improvement across the site.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the site, delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity.
• Use operational data to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate inefficiencies and drive sustainable performance improvements.
• Coach and develop teams in Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving and root cause analysis techniques.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, Technical and Supply Chain teams to remove constraints and optimise processes.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement through effective project governance, performance tracking and standardisation of best practices.

A full job description can be provided upon request

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence or production improvement role within FMCG
• Practical knowledge of Lean tools such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, SMED/changeover reduction and waste elimination.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification is desirable; Green Belt or equivalent practical capability preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and strong Power BI / reporting capability; experience with MRP/ERP systems.

Job Tenure: Permanent

Salary: Up to £50000 per annum + plus annual bonus and more

Location: Newport