Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: Coventry Company: Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems Ltd
About Lifeline Fire & Safety
Lifeline Fire & Safety is a leading provider of fire protection and safety solutions, committed to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and driven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead business-wide improvement initiatives across operations, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and commercial functions.
This is a strategic and hands-on role focused on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, improving quality, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, the Continuous Improvement Manager will identify, develop, and implement improvement projects across all areas of the business. The successful candidate will work closely with operations, engineering, quality, sales, and supply chain teams to optimise processes and deliver measurable business benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, service, and operational functions.
- Analyse and improve business processes to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.
- Review manufacturing and assembly cycle times to improve productivity and throughput.
- Optimise workflow, resource utilisation, and production planning activities.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to drive operational performance.
Engineering & Process Improvement
- Collaborate with engineering teams to streamline product design and manufacturing processes.
- Identify opportunities for automation, standardisation, and process simplification.
- Lead engineering change initiatives to improve manufacturability, quality, and cost.
- Support new product introduction activities with robust process development.
Quality Improvement
- Drive quality improvement projects and root cause investigations.
- Implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce defects and customer complaints.
- Develop continuous improvement programmes that support ISO standards and regulatory compliance.
- Promote a culture of right-first-time manufacturing and continuous learning.
Commercial & Sales Support
- Work with sales and customer service teams to improve customer experience and response times.
- Analyse customer feedback and market requirements to support business improvements.
- Assist with cost modelling and value engineering initiatives to improve competitiveness.
- Support bid and quotation processes by identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Cost Reduction & Business Performance
- Lead cost reduction initiatives across products, processes, and supply chain activities.
- Identify and implement productivity improvements delivering measurable financial benefits.
- Develop business cases for improvement projects and capital investments.
- Track and report savings achieved from continuous improvement activities.
Leadership & Culture
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
- Facilitate workshops and cross-functional improvement teams.
- Deliver regular progress updates to senior management.
About You
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, or similar role.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Experience working in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering cost savings and performance improvements.
- Strong analytical and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to influence and drive change across all levels of an organisation.
Desirable
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt qualification.
- Experience within fire safety, engineering, manufacturing, or regulated industries.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP and business process improvement tools.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic improvement programmes.
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
