Group Continuous Improvement Manager

Valeo Foods Group; Norwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

Company Description

Valeo Foods Group is one of Europe’s premier producers and distributors of ambient consumer foods, with an extensive European presence and a growing footprint in North America. Since our establishment in 2010, we have achieved significant growth through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, including 4 acquisitions in the past year.

Looking forward, Valeo is poised for an exciting phase of transformation aimed at capitalising on our scale, optimising integration to unlock synergies, and enhancing our capabilities to drive sustainable growth to achieve our objective to double in size over the next 5 years, backed by Bain Capital, our shareholder. As part of this journey, we are committed to broadening our commercial portfolio and continue making targeted acquisitions within our key growth sectors.

We’re on an exciting journey to transform how we operate and grow. As part of this, we are looking for a dynamic Group Continuous Improvement Manager to join our team and play a key role in driving operational excellence across our UK manufacturing sites in Norwich & Gateshead along with high-potential opportunities in our wider European network such as Italy, Germany & Czech Republic. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by embedding a culture of continuous improvement and shaping best-in-class manufacturing processes.

Job Description

This is a multi-site position where you will collaborate closely with factory general managers, site teams, and our leadership group to drive impactful improvements across our operations. As a key member of our team, you will take ownership of Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives and delivering tangible benefits.

A core part of your role will be leading the deployment of cutting-edge manufacturing systems, such as Redzone, and embedding best practices that will create a legacy of operational excellence. You will work across multiple sites, creating a culture of collaboration and innovation that enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and elevates product quality.

What You’ll Do

1. Lead the implementation of Lean and CI methodologies to streamline workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance product quality across multiple sites.
2. Partner with factory general managers, site teams, and senior leaders to identify and execute improvement opportunities aligned with our overarching group strategy.
3. Drive the rollout of key manufacturing systems, ensuring successful adoption and maximising their potential.
4. Design, manage, and validate high-impact projects that contribute to our long-term manufacturing strategy.
5. Establish and nurture a culture of continuous improvement by training and mentoring employees at all levels on Lean tools and CI techniques.
6. Leverage data analytics to prioritise initiatives, monitor progress, and share best practices across the organisation.

Qualifications

We’re seeking an experienced professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills. To excel in this role, you should:

1. Have a background in engineering with significant experience in FMCG or food manufacturing.
2. Be well-versed in Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies, with a proven ability to implement them effectively.
3. Possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels, from shop floor to senior leadership.
4. Have experience deploying manufacturing systems like Redzone or similar tools.
5. Be highly analytical, using data-driven insights to drive decisions and measure success.
6. Bring energy, resilience, and a passion for building a lasting legacy of operational excellence.

Additional Information

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, shape the future of our operations, and drive transformative change across multiple sites, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of our exciting journey at Valeo Foods Group.