Continuous Improvement Manager

Role Overview

Join a leading UK defence and aerospace engineering company as a Continuous Improvement Manager, spearheading Lean transformation and operational excellence initiatives. This role requires a proactive leader who can question current methods, facilitate interdisciplinary improvements, and embed Lean principles throughout engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement projects focusing on sourcing, procurement, and supply chain functions.
• Organize and facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops, and structured problem-solving sessions.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements to optimize workflow and performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, operations, and sourcing teams to deliver measurable operational enhancements.
• Utilize data, KPIs, ERP/SAP tools, and performance metrics to discover opportunities and monitor outcomes.
• Develop governance frameworks, create performance reports, and formulate Continuous Improvement roadmaps.
• Mentor and support teams in Lean methodologies and Continuous Improvement practices.
• Oversee and support operational readiness in a regulated engineering and manufacturing context.
• Foster a culture where Continuous Improvement is integral to daily operations.
• Manage and develop a Continuous Improvement Analyst.

What Success Looks Like

• Effectively challenge and enhance existing processes to achieve operational and commercial gains.
• Promote adoption of Lean thinking and continuous improvement culture.
• Enhance operational flow, governance, and decision-making.
• Establish strong partnerships across departments to support improvement initiatives.
• Implement sustainable improvements that boost business performance and customer satisfaction.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Transformation, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Expertise in facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving techniques.
• Successful track record driving measurable operational gains through Lean methodologies.
• Skilled at influencing stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and supply chain areas.
• Capability to challenge existing practices and secure buy-in for change efforts.
• Experienced in developing governance structures, KPI reporting, and improvement strategies.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and workshop facilitation skills.
• Proficient with ERP/SAP systems and analyzing operational data.
• Prior leadership, coaching, or mentoring experience.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Background in defence, aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, or highly regulated operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Experience supporting supply chain, sourcing, procurement, or operational readiness activities.
• Exposure to Lean deployment or operational excellence programmes at site or business unit level.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits package.
• Office located in Uxbridge, West London with hybrid work options after onboarding.
• Early finish every Friday for work-life balance.
• Personalized career development and progression plans.
• 9% non-contributory pension scheme.
• Healthcare coverage.
• Cycle to Work initiative.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with option to purchase more leave.

Additional Information

This hands-on position requires close collaboration with operational teams to drive practical improvements, not just generate reports or dashboards. Success depends on influencing stakeholders, building credibility, leading change, and making a tangible impact within a globally recognized engineering company.