Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Lead

Important Notice: Right to Work in the UK

Please note that candidates must have the right to work in the UK without requiring future visa sponsorship. Unfortunately, our company does not provide visa support. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Manufacturing Performance Improvement Lead at Clayton Glass

At Clayton Glass, we do things differently—and we're proud of it. The Clayton Difference is at the heart of everything we do, from creating innovative products to fostering strong, lasting relationships with our customers and team members. We believe in honesty, loyalty, and a shared commitment to excellence, which is why we put people first in every aspect of our business.

If you're looking for more than just a job—if you want to be part of a company where your contributions are valued, where growth and development are encouraged, and where you can make a meaningful impact—then Clayton Glass could be the perfect fit for you. Here, we offer not just career opportunities, but the chance to be part of a forward-thinking team that's driving innovation in the glass industry. At Clayton Glass, the difference is clear.

About the Role

As our Manufacturing Performance Improvement Lead, you will be the driving force behind operational excellence—reducing remakes, improving On Time In Full (OTIF) performance, and embedding sustainable improvements that transform the way we work. You'll combine data-driven analysis with hands-on leadership, applying Lean Manufacturing and quality engineering methodologies to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and ensure improvements stick.

We're looking for a practical problem-solver who understands the theory behind continuous improvement—but isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves. You'll lead by example, coach others to deliver and sustain gains, and balance quick, value-adding wins with long-term strategic improvements. This role is ideal for someone who can think analytically, act decisively, and influence at all levels with credibility.

You'll be expected to drive initiatives that help us meet and beat daily production targets—even during unplanned stoppages—while relentlessly pursuing enhancements that reduce lead times, minimise defects, and reinforce Clayton Glass's reputation for quality and service excellence.

This role is key in ensuring efficient production operations, team leadership, and adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Working closely with the Factory Manager, you will be responsible for leading shift-based teams, optimising workflows, and driving continuous improvement.

We are looking for candidates with strong transferable skills from manufacturing, engineering, or production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Environment, Health & Safety

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all EHS policies and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.
• Ensure all team members are trained and engaged in safe working practices.

Production & Quality Management

• Lead and oversee shift-based production activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Maintain and drive adherence to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, including audits and compliance checks.
• Investigate and resolve non-conformance issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure the team meets daily production targets while minimising waste and downtime.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and develop production teams across rotating shifts, setting clear expectations and objectives.
• Support training and upskilling to improve performance, engagement, and retention.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, encouraging continuous feedback and improvement.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Drive productivity, efficiency, and glass loss reduction initiatives.
• Work with maintenance and management teams to optimise resource allocation and minimise production downtime.
• Champion 5S, Lean, or Six Sigma principles to support continuous improvement projects.

Essential Criteria:

• 3 years + Production management and process improvement experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of health & safety, quality control, and production processes.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a shift-based environment.
• Experience in problem-solving and implementing sustainable process improvements.
• Strong data analysis skills, including conducting cycle time studies, basic statistics, and calculating OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies: 5S (workplace organisation) Kaizen (continuous improvement workshops) 5 Why and Fishbone/Ishikawa (root cause analysis)
• Familiarity with production planning tools and reporting systems.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Desirable Criteria [But Not Essential]:

• Formal CI or quality qualification such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.
• Vocational qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or Manufacturing).
• NEBOSH/IOSH certification (or willingness to work towards it).

Employee Benefits:

• Discounted Clayton Glass purchases
• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays, plus an extra day off for your birthday
• Company pension scheme
• Referral programme
• Free on-site parking
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Bereavement leave

Additional Information:

• Location: Clayton Glass, 6 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, ML4 3LU
• Working Hours / Shift Pattern: 42 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• Week 1: Monday - Friday, 06:00 - 14:30
• Week 2: Monday - Friday, 14:30-23:00
• Salary: £38,309 - £43,309 [dependent on experience]
• Positions Available: 1

If you're ready to take the lead in ensuring our products reach customers with efficiency and care, apply now to join Clayton Glass, where the difference is clear

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £43,309.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bellshill ML4 3LU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have a strong understanding of health & safety, quality control, and production processes.
• Do you have strong data analysis skills, including conducting cycle time studies, basic statistics, and calculating OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Do you have a valid continuous improvement/quality qualification such as Lean Six Sigma or equivalent? If so, which do you possess?

Experience:

• Production management and process improvement : 3 years (required)
• Leadership: 2 years (preferred)
• Supply chain: 2 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• NEBOSH certification or equivalent (preferred)
• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person