Continuous Improvement Manager

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Continuous Improvement Manager - Brand new role
Full time, permanent
Hybrid WFH + Flexitime working hours
Full time Permanent role

HN11851

On Offer:

• Salary band region: £55,000 - £65,000 basic salary (DOE)
• 10% annual bonus
• Exceptional company pension contribution
• Hybrid work‑from‑home options
• Flexible working hours / flexitime
• Private healthcare plan & employee wellbeing support
• Industry‑leading training & long‑term development
• A global organisation recognised as a Top Employer worldwide

The Company:

A world‑class international manufacturer with a major site in Belfast is appointing a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead operational excellence across a highly regulated, technically advanced production environment. This organisation is regarded as a global leader in its field, operating to the highest standards of quality, safety, and manufacturing innovation. With major investment, long-term growth plans, and a strong culture of employee development, this is a brand‑new role created to strengthen CI capability on site.

The Role:

Reporting to the senior leadership team, this newly created position will champion continuous improvement initiatives across operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, and production. You will lead structured improvement programmes, implement best‑practice methodologies, and work cross‑functionally to enhance process capability, cost efficiency, and overall site performance. This is a high‑visibility role offering real autonomy, strategic influence, and the opportunity to shape long‑term transformation across a major manufacturing operation. Although the role doesn't have any direct reports, it will dotted line work with, train, direct and guide across various departments.

Key Responsibilities - Continuous Improvement Manager:

• Develop and deliver the site's continuous improvement (Value Stream) roadmap, aligned to wider operational strategy
• Lead cross‑functional improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven methodologies
• Identify process bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities through structured analysis
• Drive standardisation of workflows, performance KPIs, and best‑practice tools across teams
• Support automation, digitalisation, and transformation initiatives within manufacturing operations
• Coach, mentor, and upskill teams in CI tools (5S, VSM, root‑cause analysis, PDCA, Kaizen)
• Monitor CI project performance, cost savings, and operational impact
• Influence culture change and strengthen continuous improvement adoption across all departments

Essential Criteria - Continuous Improvement Manager:

• A relevant 3rd level qualification
• Strong experience within CI, Operational Excellence, or Process Improvement roles - Project
• Proven success delivering improvement projects within manufacturing, engineering, medical device, electronics, FMCG, or regulated industries
• Strong working knowledge of Lean tools and CI methodologies
• Excellent communication skills, able to work cross‑functionally and lead change
• Ability to manage multiple projects with complex stakeholder groups
• Formal Lean or Six Sigma accreditation desirable (Green/Black Belt - not essential)

Please Note: Sponsorship is not available for this role. Applications are only considered from candidates eligible to work permanently in Northern Ireland.

If this role is of interest; or if you have a relatable skillset that might match other similar vacancies; then please send an updated CV via the link on the page, or get in touch with Hugh Nugent to discuss in absolute confidence.

Hugh has 13+ years' experience specifically in Engineering / Manufacturing Recruitment and specialises across Senior Executive Placements, CI, Design/Development, and Quality Engineering roles throughout Ireland.

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Candidates can come from areas such as: Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Antrim, Carrickfergus, Holywood, Bangor, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newry, Armagh, Portadown, Craigavon , Lurgan, Moira and other nearby counties within commuting range in Northern Ireland.

Other relevant job titles: Continuous Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Lead, Operational Excellence Manager, Process Engineer, six sigma lead, Lean Manufacturing Manager, Business Transformation Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Manufacturing Excellence Manager, CI Manager, OPEX Manager, Lean Six Sigma Engineer, Process Optimisation Engineer, Head of process improvement.