Production Continuous Improvement Manager

H.B. Fuller UK Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading adhesives company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in Milton Keynes. You'll be responsible for driving productivity and process improvements, leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Ideal candidates have a degree in Chemical Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience. This is an onsite position with a strong focus on operational excellence and team coaching.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in process or applications engineering.
• At least 3 years in adhesives, specialty chemicals, or a related industry.
• Proven ability to evaluate, design, and optimize manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive productivity and process improvements across manufacturing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Partner with site functions to deliver process and product improvements.

Skills

Project management

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Process improvement

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical or Process Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

SAP or other MRP systems

Job description

Overview

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller\'s innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

Position Title: Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Milton Keynes, UK - Onsite

Position Overview

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving productivity and process improvements at our Milton Keynes facility, with a focus on Thermoplastic Hot Melts and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives. This leadership role applies innovative thinking and engineering principles to achieve year-over-year improvements in manufacturing efficiency, yield, and quality. The position works collaboratively with site leaders to deliver value through operational excellence and sustainable performance gains.

Responsibilities

• Drive productivity and process improvements across manufacturing operations in Milton Keynes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and OEE methodologies.
• Partner with site functions (manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, sales, marketing, finance) to deliver process and product improvements.
• Participate in the development and exchange of best practices across the EIMEA region and globally.
• Support new product and process introductions, trials, and scale-ups to full manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing challenges, ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Track, analyze, and report KPIs to demonstrate ROI and sustainable performance gains.
• Coach and develop teams to build a culture of continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor\'s or Master\'s degree in Chemical or Process Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process or applications engineering.
• At least 3 years in adhesives, specialty chemicals, or a related industry.
• Proven ability to evaluate, design, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Project management experience, with a record of delivering projects on time and on budget.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to act as Plant Manager delegate when required.
• Demonstrated application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project; strong written and spoken English.
• Commitment to QEHS standards ensuring a safe working culture.

Preferred Requirements

• Minimum 3 years\' experience with thermoplastic materials, ideally hot melt adhesives.
• Project management certification.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt).
• Training in continuous improvement practices.
• Experience with SAP or other MRP systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation