Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Description

Reporting to the General Manager at Markham Vale 1, you will be responsible for facilitating the identification and overseeing the delivery of key improvements across the business to unlock benefits around cost, quality, service, engagement and safety.

You will deliver large projects using a structured approach (Lean / 6 Sigma / DMAIC etc). The Continuous Improvement Manager will encourage colleague participation and get leadership sponsorship to drive cultural change and will be able to track improvement using financial and other metrics.  You will be responsible for tracking and reporting on individual projects and the programme as a whole and will work closely with the General Manager and customer to agree joint programme delivery and properly allocated savings in a context of commercial renewal.  Operational as well as CI experience is necessary.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08.30-17.00

Key Duties of a Continuous Improvement Manager:

• Identify opportunities to deliver improvements to cost, quality, service, engagement and safety via facilitating diagnostic events to aid the development of site and area CI plans, using lean tools and techniques and basic project management.
• Facilitating workshops to support CI and Project activity such as requirements gathering, current & future state mapping, Ease-Value, problem solving and solution design activity.
• Provide support to establish governance and help individuals developing plans to support delivery of change; defining and implementing a suitable approach to quality, planning, resource, change control, change management, risk & issue management, cost management, benefit tracking, stakeholder management and communications.
• Support the management of risks, issues, budget and change.
• Establish and maintain communication with key stakeholders in all parts of the project organisation (including clients and suppliers).
• Close the project / initiative in a controlled fashion (lessons learnt & handover).
• Deliver training and coaching regarding basic Project Management, CI methodologies & tools as well as effective change management.
• Track benefits identified and realised as a result of change, engaging with relevant Finance, Projects & CI teams as well as site Operations.
• Support the preparation of business cases and application for funding as required.
• Lead the delivery of 1 – 2 medium / large sized projects to unlock benefit.
• Support data gathering where required for diagnostics, solution design and benefits tracking, working with the Site Operational Systems lead.
• Engage with colleagues effectively throughout the CI and change process to ensure change is sustained & understood; implement sustainment tools such as Visual Management, Communication Zones and Work Place Audits.
• Leading and motivating the delivery team.
• Support the development and sharing of best practice (CI, operations, project management).

Qualifications

• Experience of CI in the logistics industry with knowledge of best practice tools & techniques.
• Experience of/qualifications in continuous improvement methodologies & tools i.e. Lean, Six Sigma (Green belt minimum).
• Experience of automation solutions (warehouse - essential, transport / planning - desirable).
• Understanding of AI and data tool developments and their optimal use.
• Delivery of tangible and intangible benefits – large projects and multiple small improvements (pipeline development).
• Ideally knowledge of the sector (FMCG via 3PL solution).
• Ideally experience of Warehouse and Transport operations at a senior level including experience of change.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Analytical with high attention to detail. Structured and methodical.
• Excellent communication skills both at a team level and with Senior Stakeholders plus Clients.
• Assertive, collaborative and resilient.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills.
• Able to set clear objectives.
• High level of commercial awareness.

Additional Information

As part of our drive to make Great Bear a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave – 25 days plus the normal 8 bank holidays.
• Company Bonus – We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Cover – This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa.
• Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer a great contribution of 5% employee and 8% employer.
• Life Assurance -  4 x your annual salary.
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam