Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Are you an experienced Continuous Improvement Professional with experience managing continuous improvement processes within a heavy industry - manufacturing environment?

At Doncasters we have an exciting opportunity for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to join our team at Chard Precision Castings based in Chard, Somerset!

Why join us?

Did you know that every time you take a flight, drive somewhere, or switch on a light, there’s a chance Doncasters played a part in making that happen?

We are a specialist manufacturer of complex precision cast components for aerospace engines and industrial gas turbines, supporting leading OEM programmes.

We excel in turning metals into motion, working in alloys and manufacturing complex product designs to offer an unparalleled range of solutions for high performance and specialist applications.

We employ more than 3,000 people across 14 core manufacturing facilities globally, providing the scale and expertise required to serve leading aerospace engine and IGT OEMs.

At Doncasters, we believe in doing things the right way. That means acting with integrity, delivering with commitment, and working as one team to achieve more, together. Whether you're developing precision-engineered components, running world-class manufacturing operations, or supporting our people and processes, your role is part of something much bigger.

Join us and contribute to a legacy built on performance, precision, and the values that drive us forward - excellence, commitment, integrity, and teamwork.

What we can offer you:

• An interesting and varied field to work in.
• An environment where you can learn and grow through constant development opportunities.
• Company cash health care plan with an extensive range of benefits.

The Role

As Continuous Improvement Manager, you will drive business efficiency, reduce costs and deliver sustainable savings through the identification and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. Using Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma methodologies, you will optimise processes, improve productivity and maximise operational performance.

Working collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Quality and other functions, you will lead improvement projects, support the adoption of effective manufacturing methods and foster a culture of continuous improvement, waste reduction and operational excellence across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, lead and implement site-wide continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business strategy and project plans.
• Drive process optimisation and cost reduction through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma tools.
• Promote and embed a culture of waste identification and elimination, encouraging teams to challenge existing practices and seek better ways of working.
• Support and educate colleagues across functions on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor, report and communicate CI activities, project progress and savings to stakeholders at all levels, including senior management.
• Manage improvement projects to ensure agreed objectives, timescales and savings targets are achieved.
• Coach and mentor Green Belts, identifying and supporting suitable improvement projects.
• Support Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action processes to improve quality and achieve business targets.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams to improve the working environment, manufacturing processes and product throughput.
• Continuously review working practices, driving sustainable improvements and striving to exceed performance targets and standards.

Interested?

The successful candidate will be improvement-driven, with a strong focus on identifying root causes and implementing practical, data-led solutions that deliver measurable, sustainable results. They will translate improvement opportunities into effective actions, engage operational teams and embed lasting change within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

To succeed you will have …

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience alongside lean Six Sigma Green/ Black Belt training and or/ certificate.
• Experience participating in Kaizen activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with project management systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• People leadership skills, including motivating teams, providing direction and working collaboratively.

To Apply

Apply online.

We’ll be in touch with you quickly after receiving your application.

Equal opportunities

Doncasters is committed to achieving workforce diversity and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, disability- physical or hidden, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious belief, or any other characteristics protected by law. We provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We encourage all applicants to reach out if they require any support or accommodations to enable them to thrive throughout our recruitment process. Please contact [email protected].