Continuous Improvement Manager

At Bodycote, we’re more than the world’s leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services. We’re a people business at heart. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability shapes everything we do. With a global footprint and a culture built on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement, we create an environment where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. Sustainability is central to our future. We’re on an ambitious journey to reduce our environmental impact through advanced technologies, smarter processes, and ongoing innovation, with our teams around the world playing a key role in making that happen.

The Role

The Continuous Improvement Manager serves as champion and will drive operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across UK and France manufacturing operations under the direction of the EMEA Operations Director of Surface Technology, by applying structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis, the Continuous Improvement Manager ensures sustainable gains in performance, cost reduction, the elimination of waste and customer satisfaction—fueling long-term growth and operational strength.

Essential Job Functions

The primary duties consist of, but are not limited to the following.

· Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within the assigned production site, driving measurable gains in throughput, quality, flow, turn-around-time (TAT), throughput and cost reduction.

· Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process flow.

· Partner with GM’s, Plant Managers, Engineers, and Production Managers to identify process bottlenecks and deploy structured problem-solving techniques (Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, 5 Why).

· Plan, schedule and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and Gemba walks to engage teams and uncover improvement opportunities in both manufacturing and business processes.

· Convert the improvements from Kaizen activities into tangible business financial benefits and be able to track these through to completion.

· Analyse data and process metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.

· Develop and standardise visual management systems, performance boards, and metrics dashboards to promote operational transparency.

· Coach frontline teams and leaders on Lean tools such as 5S, SMED, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).

· Collaborate with leadership to establish annual improvement goals and track progress against KPIs.

· Champion a culture of continuous improvement by promoting employee engagement, idea generation, and recognition of process excellence.

· Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to optimize workflow, reduce downtime, and strengthen process reliability.

· Communicate improvement outcomes, lessons learned, and best practices across the organisation.

· Practices and promotes safety and good housekeeping.

· Performs other tasks as assigned or dictated by position

· This position is responsible for the care and treatment of our customer’s inventory and as such will perform duties in a safe and responsible manner to prevent customer loss or damage

· Must have the ability to report for work on time, follow directions, interact effectively with co-workers, understand and follow rules and procedures and accept constructive criticisms.

Qualifications:

· This position must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements..

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).

· 5+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, or related roles.

· Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).

· Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.

· Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.

· Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation abilities.

· Prefer working knowledge of metallurgy, temperatures, etc. as well as PowerBI for actionable insights

· Must demonstrate the ability to read, write and communicate the English language

Physical Demands

· Able to travel regularly to multiple sites in the UK and France.

· Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time in an industrial environment

What’s In It for You

• Career progression opportunities within a global organisation

• Exposure to international projects and operational improvement initiatives

• A supportive, inclusive culture where your development matters

• The opportunity to shape operational excellence and influence the future of our business

• Competitive salary and benefits package

Location & Work Pattern

This role is based in UK, with remote expectations. Some travel may be required depending on business needs.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to join Bodycote and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start your journey with us.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of characteristics protected by local law, including (where applicable) gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and ethnic origin. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.