Continuous Improvement Lead

Technical Recruitment Solutions Ltd.; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Whittaker’s in Wellington, NZ, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Lead to identify and deliver opportunities to improve operations from idea to embedded, measurable results. You’ll use data and structured problem solving to build business cases and drive on-the-floor changes that deliver real benefits across teams.

You will lead through influence across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality, coaching leaders and teams to embrace Lean principles and sustainable improvements while

Qualifications

• Experience delivering improvements in FMCG/manufacturing environments.
• Ability to implement structured problem-solving methodologies and develop business cases.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and Health and Safety at Work Act requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Analyse operational performance data (OEE, downtime, waste, quality) to identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead problem-solving, root-cause analysis and develop business cases and recommendations.
• Plan and lead on-the-floor improvement projects with clear milestones and success metrics.
• Facilitate process mapping, Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops to eliminate waste.
• Support training, operational readiness and embedding new standards and SOPs.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Data analysis

Lean principles

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching and facilitation

Education

Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing/Process Improvement degree

Job description

The Company: Whittaker’s is New Zealand’s biggest chocolate manufacturer and has won New Zealand’s ‘Most Trusted Brand’ 15 times in a row. They live by the belief that ‘best is always better’, insisting on using only the finest ingredients, the best methods, most precise machinery, and the best people to keep making good honest chocolate.

The Opportunity: Great chocolate is made by teams who never stop looking for a better way. As Continuous Improvement Lead, you’ll identify, assess and deliver opportunities to improve how Whittaker’s operates, from the first spark of an idea through to embedded measurable results. You’ll use data and structured problem solving to find the opportunities, build the business case then get out on the floor and make the changes stick.

It’s a role for someone who enjoys both the analysis and the people side of improvement. You’ll lead through influence rather than formal authority, working with Operations, Engineering Supply Chain, Quality and other teams to deliver real benefits and grow problem-solving capability across the business.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Analysing operational and manufacturing performance data (OEE, downtime, labour utilisation, waste and quality) to identify and prioritise improvement opportunities
• Leading structured problem-solving and root cause analysis, and developing business cases and recommendations to support decision-making
• Planning and leading on-the-floor improvement projects, including scopes, implementation plans, milestones and success measures
• Facilitating process mapping, Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops to eliminate waste and improve process capability
• Supporting training, operational readiness and the embedding of new standards, SOPs and ways of working
• Validating realised operational and financial benefits through post-implementation reviews
• Coaching leaders and teams in continuous improvement tools and building a culture of learning and ownership
• Ensuring all improvements maintain or enhance product quality, food safety and compliance outcomes

You, the Candidate: You’re a practical, curious and solutions-focused improver who builds strong relationships across functions and stays organised when priorities compete. You’ll bring a track record of delivering improvements in a manufacturing of FMCG environment, and the influencing skills to bring people with you.

The ideal candidate will also bring:

• Experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing improvement or process optimisation
• A track record leading improvement projects and facilitating cross-functional initiatives
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methodologies and developing business cases
• Knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement tools, systems and methodologies
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to turn operational data into improvement opportunities
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, cost, safety or operational performance
• Strong stakeholder engagement, coaching and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and Health and Safety at Work Act requirements
• A qualification in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Process Improvement or a related field (preferred)

Please note: To be eligible for this role, you must hold current working rights in NZ. You must also be willing to undertake and return a satisfactory Ministry of Justice Criminal History check and undergo a pre-employment medical including a Drug & Alcohol screening.