Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Opportunity: Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Birstall, Leeds

Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

Type: Full-time, Permanent

We’re looking for a CI Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering new production assets and driving performance across a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment.

You’ll lead commissioning, validation, and start-up of equipment while owning the site’s loss analysis agenda—identifying where we lose efficiency, speed, and quality, and turning those insights into high-impact improvement projects.

This role is critical to ensuring our lines start strong, run efficiently, and continuously improve in a high-volume, high-demand setting—helping us deliver the quality pet nutrition that millions of pets rely on every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) of lines/ equipment and new product development
• Own and lead site-wide loss analysis across key metrics (OEE, waste, downtime, speed loss)
• Identify and prioritise the biggest losses impacting throughput, cost, and service
• Build and manage a pipeline of focused improvement projects aligned to business priorities
• Lead delivery of loss reduction initiatives—from data analysis through to shopfloor implementation and sustainment
• Apply structured problem-solving tools (RCA, 5 Whys, DMAIC) to eliminate root causes of chronic losses
• Champion TPM principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operator ownership
• Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve line reliability and efficiency
• Support rapid ramp-up of new lines to target speeds, waste, and quality standards

About You

• Engineering or technical degree (or equivalent) or equivalent experience
• Strong experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environments (food/pet food preferred)
• Proven track record in commissioning/start-up and driving line performance improvements
• Deep understanding of OEE, loss trees, and waste reduction in a production setting
• Experience delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, and downtime
• Knowledge of TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies
• Strong presence on the shopfloor with the ability to engage and influence operators and leaders
• Data-driven, results-focused, and comfortable working at pace

What can you expect from Mars?

• Be part of a purpose-driven business: A Better World for Pets
• Work on products that make a real difference to the health and happiness of pets globally
• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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