Continuous Improvement Manager

Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Location: Garden Island NSW – We offer a range of flexible working arrangements, such as a 9-day fortnight.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems (BAES) and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description:

Join us as a Continuous Improvement Manager and play a pivotal role in driving business transformation and operational excellence. Based at our Garden Island, NSW offices, you will lead the identification and delivery of continuous improvement initiatives that enhance business efficiency, challenge existing ways of working, and leverage emerging technologies to create better outcomes.

Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you will champion improvement opportunities that extend beyond functional boundaries, fostering collaboration and delivering sustainable change. You will also be responsible for coaching and developing employees in continuous improvement tools and methodologies, helping to build a culture of innovation, capability, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and influential leader who is passionate about driving efficiency, embracing innovation, and enabling teams to achieve their full potential.

Core Duties:

• Work in conjunction with the Enterprise lead team to identify Continuous Improvement opportunities, develop process improvements and implement solutions.
• Influence improvement and innovation culture within the Program and wider Maritime Sustainment portfolio.
• Engage and support stakeholders at all levels of the Program to actively facilitate and promote innovation and process improvement.
• Develop and implement CI activities, process and procedure documentation and tools, communication and education programs, present required specification and solution material to relevant stakeholders and conduct workshops for stakeholders where required.
• Champion Lean principles to optimise new and existing processes
• Support Change Management to enable and facilitate changes where needed.
• Support Risk, Issue and Opportunity (RI&O) Management by attending RI&O workshops to identify the opportunities for improvement.

About You:

• Previous sound experience in a Business or Continuous Improvement role including experience in process analysis and mapping, problem solving, stakeholder management, change management.
• Knowledge and experience in establishing CI efficiencies in a large complex program preferably (but not essential) in defence or maritime environment.
• Good knowledge of Asset Management frameworks and fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills required, both written and verbal and ability to deal with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong self-management skills and a proven track record of working independently to deliver outputs within set deadlines, maintaining high quality while managing costs effectively
• Relevant CI qualifications (highly desirable).
• Lean Six Sigma Certification highly desirable (Green/Black Belt).
• Computer literacy with intermediate knowledge of MS Suite
• As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain appropriate clearances

Capability Lifecycle Manager (CLCM) program

Under the Capability Lifecycle Manager (CLCM) program, the DDGs — HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney, are sustained through strategic asset management to meet the Navy’s Vision of enhancing Destroyer lethality whilst sustaining deployable capability to achieve the Navy’s mission.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We support our veteran community through VetNet Australia, along with initiatives such as Reserve Service Leave, a Veteran Mentoring Program, and partner-supported programs.

We welcome applications from all candidates and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 and recipients of the Benchmarcx Top Employer for Candidate Experience Excellence 2026. As members of the Circle Back Initiative, we commit to responding to every applicant.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss the support you may need. You can also connect with us via Careers and Employment.

Security statement

Please note, as a defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and either possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain one. Further information regarding security clearances.