Continuous Improvement Manager

CI Manager – Food ManufacturingCentral ScotlandMonday–FridaySalary: £45K -£55KAre you a driven Continuous Improvement professional ready to take ownership of site-wide improvement projects within a fast-moving food manufacturing environment?Protea Recruitment is proud to partner with a well-established food manufacturer seeking an experienced CI Manager to lead their continuous improvement agenda. This is a key leadership position within the operations function, focused on embedding lean principles, driving performance, and supporting long-term site development.The RoleAs CI Manager, you’ll lead and deliver operational excellence initiatives across all functions. You’ll work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimise processes, and drive efficiency gains across labour, materials, and overheads.Your responsibilities will include:Leading the development and rollout of Lean and CI programmes to build capability across all levels.Coaching teams in problem-solving and root cause analysis to create a culture of continuous improvement.Supporting TPM and asset care initiatives to enhance reliability and performance.Establishing and tracking key performance metrics to measure and sustain progress.Facilitating improvement workshops and sharing best practices across teams and sites.Driving engagement and alignment around safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.About YouYou’ll be a proactive and influential leader who thrives on driving change and developing people. You enjoy translating strategy into action and are motivated by measurable results.Essential:Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Optimisation within manufacturing.Strong leadership and communication skills, able to influence and motivate at all levels.Track record of delivering measurable improvements using Lean or CI methodologies.Analytical and data-driven, with excellent problem-solving and planning skills.Competent in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.Desirable:Background in the food, drink, or wider FMCG manufacturing sector.Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.Degree or HND in Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline.