Continuous Improvement Manager | Lean Transformation & Operational Excellence

Overview

This opportunity is with a well-regarded defence and aerospace engineering manufacturer in Uxbridge, West London. The role is centred on leading Lean transformation and operational excellence across sourcing, procurement and supply chain activities. It suits someone who is practical, confident with stakeholders, and motivated to improve how work flows across a complex operational environment.

You will work across engineering, finance, operations and sourcing to spot inefficiencies, guide improvement activity and turn ideas into measurable outcomes. The position offers strong autonomy, visible impact and long-term development within a business known for engineering excellence and investment in its people.

Role Summary

As the Continuous Improvement Manager, you will own and steer Lean and operational excellence initiatives that help teams work more efficiently, improve delivery capability and strengthen performance across supply chain operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation and continuous improvement programmes across sourcing, procurement and supply chain teams.
• Plan and run Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping sessions and structured problem-solving workshops.
• Review current processes, question established ways of working and identify opportunities to improve flow and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, operations and sourcing stakeholders to deliver practical business improvements.
• Use KPIs, ERP/SAP data and operational performance measures to find improvement opportunities and monitor benefits.
• Create governance structures, performance reports and continuous improvement roadmaps.
• Coach teams in Lean methods and continuous improvement tools.
• Lead, support and develop a Continuous Improvement Analyst.
• Support operational readiness in a highly regulated engineering and manufacturing setting.
• Help build a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work.

What Success Looks Like

• You challenge long-standing practices and uncover meaningful improvement opportunities.
• You facilitate initiatives that deliver clear operational and commercial gains.
• Teams adopt Lean thinking and continuous improvement behaviours more consistently.
• Operational flow, governance and decision-making become stronger and more efficient.
• You build trusted relationships across engineering, sourcing, finance and operations.
• Continuous improvement becomes embedded in normal business activity.
• Improvements are sustained and contribute to better business performance and customer delivery.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience leading Lean transformation, operational excellence or continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong hands-on experience running Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping workshops and structured problem-solving sessions.
• Proven ability to deliver measurable operational gains through Lean methods.
• Experience influencing stakeholders in engineering, manufacturing, operations, procurement, sourcing or supply chain environments.
• Confidence to challenge existing processes and secure support for change.
• Experience building governance frameworks, KPI reporting and improvement roadmaps.
• Strong communication, workshop facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with ERP/SAP systems and operational performance data.
• Prior experience in leadership, coaching or mentoring.
• Desirable background in defence, aerospace, manufacturing, engineering or other highly regulated environments.
• Desirable Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Desirable experience supporting supply chain, sourcing, procurement or operational readiness activities.
• Desirable exposure to Lean deployment, CI governance or operational excellence programmes at site or business-unit level.

Additional Information

This is not a desk-only or presentation-led improvement role. You will spend time with operational teams, leading workshops, testing assumptions and solving real business issues. Success depends on your ability to build credibility, influence people, lead change and deliver practical improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working available after onboarding.
• Early finish every Friday.
• Personalised development and career progression plan.
• 9% non-contributory pension.
• Healthcare plan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Option to buy additional leave.

Location

Uxbridge, West London, United Kingdom.