Continuous Improvement Manager
Chemring Countermeasures is a world leading and innovative company, designing and developing countermeasure solutions to armed forces throughout the world. We are part of the Chemring Group of companies and have a solid global infrastructure, which also helps us to thrive.
Overview of the role
The CI Manager will lead the identification, delivery, and sustainability of performance and process improvements across the entire site. Encompassing Operations, RD&D, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and Support Functions.
Operating within a high-hazard, safety-critical manufacturing environment, this role will embed a culture of continuous improvement and Operational Excellence, driving measurable results in safety, efficiency, quality, and innovation through Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies.
Responsibilities
- Develop, lead, and deliver the site’s Continuous Improvement program aligned with the business strategy, high-Level Initiatives, business strategy, and site objectives.
- Partner with functional leaders to identify improvement opportunities, prioritise high-impact projects and support strategic decision-making.
- Facilitate and coach cross-functional teams in the application of Lean and Six Sigma tools (e.g. DMAIC, SIPOC, SIP, 5S, Kaizen, VSM, SPC, SMED, RCA).
- Lead structured improvement workshops to optimise processes, reduce waste, and improve product quality, delivery performance and cost efficiency.
- Monitor and report on site KPIs, supporting teams to achieve targets in safety performance, productivity, cost reduction, and sustainability.
- Build CI capability across site through structured training, mentoring, and hands-on project support.
- Champion innovation and Continuous Improvement practices within RD&D, improving product development efficiency, design for manufacture, and technology transfer to manufacturing.
- Manage the Continuous Improvement project pipelines, track benefits, and ensure improvements are sustained and embedded.
- Collaborate with the Site Management Team to promote process safety, regulatory compliance, and operational discipline in all improvement activities.
- Contribute to wider business excellence and transformation programs across the organisation.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and/or Experience
- Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Business Improvement role within a manufacturing or process industry environment.
- Demonstratable record of delivering measurable business results through process structured improvement projects.
- Strong facilitation, coaching, and influencing skills across all levels of the organisation.
- Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, problem-solving techniques, and process optimisation tools.
- Strong understanding of low volume, high mix manufacturing environments.
- Excellent analytical, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective project management and stakeholder engagement experience
- High level of awareness and commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and/or Experience
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
- Experience working with or supporting RD&D, or product development teams.
- Exposure to pyrotechnic, chemical or other high-hazard manufacturing environment.
- Experience implementing digital improvement tools or data analytics in manufacturing.
This role will be worked over a 4.5 day week; Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 16:45 and Friday 08:00 – 12:30.
Please note: We do not engage with recruitment agencies. We kindly ask that you refrain from sending speculative inquiries or CVs. Should we wish to collaborate with agencies, we will initiate contact accordingly.
