Continuous Improvement Manager
Responsibilities
- Be the driving force behind Lean transformation in a regulated medical device environment, improving how life-changing products are designed, manufactured and delivered.
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects that directly impact product quality, patient safety, delivery performance and cost.
- Own the site-wide Continuous Improvement strategy, chairing the GROWTTH Lean Steering Committee and partnering closely with senior leadership and global teams.
- Deliver measurable business and quality improvements, setting clear targets and tracking success through meaningful KPIs.
- Plan and facilitate high-impact Kaizen events, ensuring strong engagement, clear ownership and full closure of actions.
- Build Lean capability across the organisation, coaching and training teams through real-world projects (White Belt, Green Belt, 5S, SMED, VA/VE, 3P, etc.).
- Support the move toward digital, paperless and real-time systems, improving data visibility, compliance and efficiency.
- Create a culture where Continuous Improvement is part of everyday work, celebrating wins and making Lean visible across the site.
- Ensure all improvements meet the highest regulatory and quality standards, fully aligned with ISO 13485, FDA and QMS requirements.
- Be a visible role model for safety, sustainability and compliance, promoting best practice in OH&S, environmental and energy management.
Qualifications
- A third-level qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience), combined with a strong interest in Continuous Improvement and operational excellence.
- Lean Black Belt certification is preferred. Candidates without formal certification should have extensive hands-on experience delivering waste reduction and CI programmes (e.g. TQM, JIT or similar) and a willingness to achieve Black Belt certification within 18 months.
- Strong working knowledge of Lean and CI methodologies, including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VA/VE, 3P and related tools, with the ability to apply them in real-world manufacturing environments.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing setting, ideally within the medical device or healthcare sector. Candidates from highly mature Lean environments, such as automotive, with a strong CI track record will also be considered.
- Proven experience in project leadership, including coordinating cross-functional teams, motivating others, coaching and training colleagues, and driving actions through to completion.
- Strong digital and systems awareness, with experience using ERP/MES platforms, quality systems and other IT-enabled business tools that support Lean ways of working.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation. A proactive, driven mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment, combining strong commercial awareness with technical credibility.
The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law
