Continuous Improvement Manager

Overview

As Continuous Improvement Manager at Bodycote, you lead operational excellence across UK and France manufacturing sites, applying Lean and Six Sigma to boost throughput, quality, and efficiency. You’ll partner with site leaders to identify bottlenecks, run kaizen events, and translate improvements into measurable financial benefits. You’ll drive data-driven decision making with visual dashboards and mentor teams on Lean tools, shaping a culture of continuous improvement. This is a mission-driven role in a sustainability-focused global business.

Pay / Benefits

• career progression
• international project exposure
• inclusive culture
• opportunity to shape operational excellence
• competitive salary and benefits package

Responsibilities

• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, quality, flow, TAT, and cost reduction
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to eliminate waste and improve process flow
• Identify bottlenecks with cross-functional leaders and deploy structured problem-solving (Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, 5 Why)
• Plan, facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping, and Gemba walks
• Convert improvements into tangible financial benefits and track to completion
• Analyze data and metrics to identify trends and opportunities
• Develop standard visual management systems, dashboards, and performance boards
• Coach frontline teams on Lean tools (5S, SMED, standard work, poka-yoke)
• Collaborate with leadership to set annual improvement goals and monitor KPIs
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and recognition of excellence
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize workflow and reduce downtime
• Communicate outcomes, lessons learned, and best practices across the organization
• Maintain safety and housekeeping standards
• Perform other tasks as assigned
• Comply with ITAR requirements and safety responsibilities

Key requirements

• Bachelor in Engineering, Operations, or Business
• 5+ years in process improvement, operations, or related roles
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt preferred)
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation abilities
• Working knowledge of metallurgy and temperatures; PowerBI preferred
• English language proficiency
• Must be able to travel regularly to UK/France sites
• Understanding of safety and housekeeping in industrial environments

• Strong communication and presentation abilities
• Collaborative and cross-functional mindset
• Problem-solving and facilitation skills
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma (DMAIC, 5 Why)
• Kaizen, value stream mapping, Gemba walks

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