Continuous Improvement Manager

We currently have the above position available at our flexible packaging facilities and wish to invite all suitably qualified applicants to submit their details for our consideration.

The incumbent, reporting to the General Manager, is responsible for leading initiatives that enhance products, processes, quality systems, and outcomes. This role bridges operations, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction by identifying inefficiencies, implementing best practices, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• Continuous Improvement (CI) Management

• Develop and implement CI programs to optimize quality, efficiency, and cost savings.

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements through data analysis, audits, and customer feedback.

• Facilitate cross-functional teams to implement improvement projects.

• Quality

• Manage quality teams across multiple sites, ensuring alignment in objectives and processes.

• Train and mentor team members on quality standards and improvement practices.

• Oversee the management, review, and improvement of Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure compliance with ISO standards and industry regulations.

• Conduct periodic internal audits to maintain and enhance system efficiency.

• Monitor quality performance metrics such as defect rates, complaints, and testing outcomes.

• Provide detailed reports on quality statistics and improvement measures to senior leadership.

• R & D and New Product Development

• Lead the development of new flexible packaging materials (eg., films, laminates, pouches, bags) with a focus on reducing material usage and cost, increasing recyclability, and enhancing performance.

• Define project goals, timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring that packaging solutions are developed on time and within budget.

• Document and Communicate project progress, milestones, and outcomes to senior management, customers, and external partners.

• Develop testing protocols and validation processes for packaging properties such as barrier performance (moisture, oxygen), seal strength, puncture resistance, and overall quality.

• Ensure the scalability of packaging solutions from the laboratory to full-scale production.

• Stay updated on trends in sustainable packaging, including biodegradable or compostable materials, and explore their application in product development.

• Technical Review Committee (TRC) And Assurance

• Lead the TRC to ensure products are reproducible at the highest quality.

• Address and resolve production or design concerns with a focus on consistency and customer satisfaction.

• Define and manage quality assurance testing requirements to meet customer and regulatory standards.

• Oversee lab operations and testing equipment maintenance to ensure accurate, reliable results.

• Non-Conformance and Complaint Management

• Own the NCR (Non-Conformance Report) process, including quarantine holds and release procedures.

• Manage customer complaints and feedback, driving resolutions and ensuring closure with customers.

• Supervise return locations and develop systems to streamline returns and minimize recurrence.

• Leverage customer feedback to drive systemic quality improvements.

To be considered for this position, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or related fields.
• In-depth knowledge of flexible packaging manufacturing processes and machinery.
• Proven experience managing quality teams.
• Expertise in quality testing equipment and lab operations.
• Strong understanding of NCR, complaints management, and statistical quality tools.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Able to develop and implement practical and actionable continuous improvement initiatives