Continuous Improvement Specialist

Stellar Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellar Recruitment in Auckland seeks an experienced Continuous Improvement Lead to drive Lean initiatives across NZ manufacturing operations. You will report to the Operational Excellence Manager in Australia and focus on productivity, waste reduction, quality, and sustainable cost savings.

This hands-on role requires on-floor leadership, collaboration with production, maintenance and quality teams, and the ability to implement data-driven solutions that boost efficiency and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years in process engineering or continuous improvement in manufacturing.
• Strong experience with Lean and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience in FMCG or similar manufacturing sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects and Lean initiatives across multiple sites.
• Coordinate Kaizen workshops, root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality and cost performance.
• Analyse production data and equipment performance to drive decisions.
• Support product introductions, process validation and manufacturing trials.
• Develop and maintain KPIs, SOPs and process documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production and technical teams to improve reliability.
• Investigate quality issues, downtime and customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
• Coach site teams in Lean and continuous improvement concepts.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or Process Engineering

Job description

• Drive Lean manufacturing, process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Influence operational performance across New Zealand manufacturing operations
• Join a market-leading global manufacturer committed to safety, quality and innovation

Continuous Improvement Lead

• Drive Lean manufacturing, process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Influence operational performance across New Zealand manufacturing operations
• Join a market-leading global manufacturer committed to safety, quality and innovation

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Lead to drive continuous improvement and process engineering initiatives across manufacturing operations in New Zealand. Reporting to the Operational Excellence Manager in Australia, you will play a key role in identifying productivity improvements, reducing waste, improving quality, optimising manufacturing processes and delivering sustainable cost savings.

This is a highly visible and autonomous position that will see you working closely with production, maintenance, quality and leadership teams to embed Lean manufacturing principles and foster a culture of operational excellence. Please note this role is hands-on and you will be spending a lot of your time on the factory floor building relationships with the team. You will lead improvement projects, analyse operational performance, support manufacturing trials and implement data-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability and profitability.

Duties Will Include

• Leading continuous improvement projects and Lean manufacturing initiatives
• Facilitating Kaizen workshops, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving activities across two manufacturing sites
• Identifying and implementing opportunities to improve productivity, quality and cost performance
• Analysing production data, equipment performance and manufacturing processes to drive informed decision-making
• Supporting new product introductions, process validation activities and manufacturing trials
• Developing and maintaining KPIs, standard operating procedures and process documentation
• Collaborating with maintenance, production and technical teams to improve process stability and operational reliability
• Investigating quality issues, downtime events and customer complaints and implementing corrective actions
• Coaching and training site teams in Lean methodologies and continuous improvement principles
• Driving a culture of operational excellence, accountability and continuous improvement across the business
• Travelling to other manufacturing sites as required.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or Process Engineering (or similar)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in process engineering, operational excellence or continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience within FMCG, packaging, plastics, extrusion, printing, converting or similar manufacturing sectors
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify opportunities through data analysis
• Proven ability to lead change and influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Results-driven with strong project management and organisational abilities
• Comfortable working on the manufacturing floor and engaging with frontline teams
• A passion for driving sustainable improvements and operational performance.

About the Company

Our client is a global leader in manufacturing and packaging solutions, operating multiple sites across Australia and New Zealand. Known for their commitment to safety, innovation and operational excellence, they invest heavily in continuous improvement and developing their people. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and progressive business where you can make a genuine impact on manufacturing performance and operational outcomes.