Continuous Improvement Lead

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Continuous Improvement Lead to spearhead Lean manufacturing, process optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives at two manufacturing sites across New Zealand. Reporting directly to the Operational Excellence Manager in Australia, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, cutting waste, boosting quality, optimising processes, and achieving sustainable cost reductions.

This hands-on position involves close collaboration with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to embed Lean principles and cultivate a culture of operational excellence. Much of your time will be spent on the factory floor building relationships and leading projects that enhance efficiency, reliability, and profitability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects and Lean manufacturing initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Facilitate Kaizen workshops, conduct root cause analyses, and implement structured problem-solving activities.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Analyze production data, equipment performance, and processes to inform decision-making.
• Support new product launches, process validation, and manufacturing trials.
• Develop and update KPIs, standard operating procedures, and process documentation.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, production, and technical teams to enhance process stability and operational reliability.
• Investigate quality concerns, downtime incidents, and customer complaints, driving corrective actions.
• Coach and train site teams on Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the business.
• Travel to manufacturing sites as necessary.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Process Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in continuous improvement, process engineering, or operational excellence within manufacturing environments.
• Strong expertise in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques.
• Experience in sectors such as FMCG, packaging, plastics, extrusion, printing, converting, or similar manufacturing industries.
• Proficient analytical skills with a knack for leveraging data to identify enhancement opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives and influence diverse cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and relationship management capabilities.
• Effective project management and organizational skills, focused on delivering results.
• Comfortable working hands-on at the manufacturing floor level, collaborating with frontline teams.
• Dedicated to driving sustainable improvements in operational performance.

Company Background

The employer is a global leader in manufacturing and packaging solutions with multiple sites in Australia and New Zealand. Well-known for their dedication to safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellence, they invest significantly in continuous improvement and employee development. This role offers a chance to influence manufacturing performance within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.