The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
Continuous Improvement Manager
Location: London, E16 2EW
Drive the Next Evolution of Continuous Improvement
We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager who can elevate problem‑solving across our UK ASR Operations and help shape the future of how we improve — including the integration of AI‑enabled problem solving.
This is a high‑impact, self‑directed role where you’ll lead the CI agenda across multiple sites, partner with global CI teams, and build the capability of our people so that CI becomes part of how we think, act, and operate every day.
If you’re passionate about Lean, love coaching teams, and get excited about how AI can accelerate improvement… this is the role where you can make a real mark.
What You’ll Lead
Operational Excellence
- Standardise and optimise operating processes by identifying global best practices and embedding them locally.
- Diagnose processes, identify waste, and partner with site leaders to deliver measurable performance improvements.
- Lead CI assessments and maintain the UK CI roadmap aligned to global strategy.
- Support the rollout of a global Operating Management System that drives consistency and culture across all sites.
Project Leadership
- Facilitate CI projects using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, VSM).
- Champion CI tools and thinking across all departments.
- Work with CI Champions (dotted‑line) across each department to embed CI into daily operations.
AI‑Enabled Improvement
- Bring curiosity or experience in applying AI to CI.
- Educate teams on how AI can enhance decision‑making and accelerate improvement.
What You Bring
- Strong manufacturing background with progressively senior experience.
- Proven success applying CI methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, TOC).
- Experience in food, beverage, pharma, or CPG manufacturing (preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
- Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred) or Lean Leader certification.
- A passion for coaching, influencing, and building capability across diverse teams.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for how AI can transform CI.
Why This Role Matters
You won’t just run CI projects — you’ll raise the organisation’s problem‑solving maturity, build a network of CI Champions, and help shape the next generation of improvement through AI‑driven tools and insights.
This is a role for someone who wants to lead, influence, innovate, and leave a legacy
At Tate & Lyle Sugars, our goal is to be the most admired sweetener Company.
Service Excellence - Be the industry's Gold Standard by a relentless focus on reliability, providing products with superior quality and excellent customer services. Efficiency and Sustainability - Eliminate inefficiency to be a sustainable, low cost producer and to generate fuel for reinvestment. Value-Add - create strategic advantage and enhanced profitability through value-added products and services. The foundation of our values is Talent and Culture as we aim to build, retain and motivate a winning team.
