Continuous Improvement Manager

About the Company We are a leading international food production company specializing in vegetables, with over 80 years of experience in delivering high-quality New Zealand food products to global markets. Our strong commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has established us as a key player in the industry. We value our employees and are dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment. About the Role We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead a newly established division within our organization. This is a unique opportunity for an individual looking to enhance operational performance in a successful team. The position is based in Ashburton, and you will report directly to the Operations Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for initiating and executing a Continuous Improvement program, focusing on safety, quality, and cost-efficiency. You will collaborate closely with various team members, including the Site Manager, Operations Manager, Planning Team, and Administration team, among others. We are looking for someone with a strong background in lean manufacturing who can advocate for health and safety in production. Proven experience in leading teams within a manufacturing environment is essential, as this is a critical long-term role where integration into our team is important. Your key responsibilities will include: - Improving processes and efficiency within the business - Analyzing data to identify opportunities for improvement - Optimizing the utilization of process control systems - Leading New Product Development initiatives - Enhancing quality, safety, and productivity while increasing margins - Conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of losses or issues and presenting improvement suggestions - Inspiring and motivating your team - Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety procedures and investigating incidents - Implementing a range of lean manufacturing approaches - Coaching and developing team members Role Requirements To be successful in this position, you must have a strong background in Continuous Improvement, with a minimum of three years of experience in a manufacturing environment. A solid understanding of Lean and 5S methodologies is essential. An industrial engineering qualification or a comparable degree is preferred. Knowledge of food safety practices, including HACCP and GMP, is advantageous. You should possess proven project management abilities and demonstrate strong leadership skills, along with an excellent understanding of Health and Safety procedures. Benefits We offer a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and an autonomous role. Additionally, staff discounts and generous perks are available. This is an opportunity to truly make a difference in the world of food production. How to Apply If you are interested in this role, please click 'APPLY' or reach out to Katie France for a confidential discussion. Phone Number: 021 0815 9274 Email: Katie.f@stellarrecruitment.co.nz