Continuous Improvement Manager

Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions for almost every industry on the planet. And we are where we are because our talents brought us here. By specializing in the polymer engineering that makes innovation and application possible, Trelleborg works closely with leading industry brands to accelerate their performance, drive their business forward—and along the way, shape the industry and progress that will benefit humankind in the exciting years ahead. Our people are Shaping Industry from the Inside. Why don´t you join us?

Why Join Trelleborg Sealing Solutions

At Trelleborg Cadley Hill, you'll be part of a global engineering group at the forefront of aerospace sealing innovation, working in a dynamic environment that blends materials expertise with world-class manufacturing. You'll have the freedom to make a tangible impact — improving performance, developing people, and shaping the long-term success of a site that supplies some of the world's most advanced aircraft platforms.

About the Job

As Site Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Cadley Hill, you will be the driving force behind operational excellence in one of the UK's leading aerospace sealing manufacturing facilities. You'll embed a culture of continuous improvement, precision, and performance across all site functions — from engineering, production to quality and supply chain.

Your mission is to lead high-impact Lean and practical problem-solving initiatives that enhance process capability, reduce variation, and drive productivity — ensuring that Trelleborg continues to deliver world-class quality and reliability to global aerospace customers like Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of an advanced manufacturing site that combines cutting-edge materials science with bespoke engineering.

Working Core Days which consist of a flexi start time of 07:45 - 08:15, finishing at 16:30 - 17:15 (dependent on start time) Monday to Thursday. Then, Friday 8am - 12:30 half day.

Responsibilities will include

• Develop and deploy the site CI strategy in alignment with Trelleborg's global manufacturing excellence framework and business objectives.
• Act as a senior change agent, championing Lean culture and continuous improvement across all departments — Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional improvement projects to deliver measurable benefits in OEE, labour efficiency, process capability, waste reduction, lead time, safety, and cost performance.
• Coach and develop CI capability across the organisation — from leadership teams to cell operators — building a sustainable culture of problem-solving and ownership.
• Establish and maintain CI governance, ensuring projects are prioritised, resourced, and tracked effectively to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Drive data-driven performance improvement, using analytical tools (8D, 5 Why, PDCA – Plan-Do-Check-Act, Pareto Analysis of WASTE, POKA-YOKE error proofing, 5S, Visual Management, OEE Analytics and Loss Tree Analysis, etc) to reduce variation and improve quality and delivery metrics.
• Introduce best practice tools and digital solutions, leveraging automation, visual management, and manufacturing analytics to optimise processes.
• Develop and support talent pipelines, coaching managers, leaders, operatives and engineers to build continuous improvement capability and future leadership strength.
• Lead the design and delivery of targeted training for production team members at all levels, aimed at building capabilities in lean manufacturing, production planning, labour efficiency, and waste reduction to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Report progress and outcomes to the Site Leadership Team and Group stakeholders, providing transparent insights into impact and future priorities.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the primary duties and responsibilities associated with this role, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to provide you with a detailed job description.

In addition to a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• Inclusion in company bonus scheme.
• Early finish on a Friday
• Employee assistance program including online GP, Mental Health support, Physiotherapy etc.
• Group life assurance.
• Employee referral program (up to £1000 per referred shop floor candidate)
• Holiday flexibility along with Christmas shut down

About the Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a resilient, collaborative leader who embodies Trelleborg's values of innovation, performance, and customer focus.

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Industrial Management (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with Automotive or Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable CI programmes in aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong evidence of improving OEE, scrap rates, process stability, and throughput through structured problem-solving.
• Strong proficiency in VSM, 8D problem-solving, Poka-Yoke, 5S, SMED, and TPM methodologies.
• Exceptional analytical and data interpretation skills, with a results-oriented, hands-on approach.
• Strong influencing and coaching capability, able to engage cross-functional teams at all levels.

Application Process

Closing date for all applications and CVs – 1st December 2025

Applications will be considered, and potential candidates will be invited to interview.

Results of interviews will be communicated by email within one week.

Join us in sealing the future — one innovation at a time.

Apply now by clicking the Apply button.