Continuous Improvement Manager - Blackburn

Continuous Improvement Manager jobs

Left to their own devices, most businesses’ operations will tend not to improve, but will at best stagnate and at worst deteriorate. Many factors are at play, such as the ongoing training of staff in the latest technologies; systems of operation becoming obsolete or problematic issues being worked around rather than dealt with; or departments not working together on issues that affect them both.

The continuous improvement manager will be tasked with ensuring that every aspect of a complex business is growing in profitability by seeking out financial leaks and inefficiencies and dealing with their root causes. When deployed properly it’s a troubleshooter job with real teeth, overseeing multiple departments and not only ensuring best practices are being observed individually but also making sure changes that affect one department do not have a deleterious on others, unless in the big picture it makes good business sense.

A good sense of priority will be required of the CI manager, too. Changes that make the biggest impact will always be top of the agenda; there’s no point getting bogged down with the small things. What’s more, as the name of the position suggests, what is the top priority this week might not necessarily be top priority next week. It’s a job where planning and reacting take equal precedence.

The skills required

Excellent time, project and people management skills are a must, and an ability to juggle several different departments’ needs to reach an optimum conclusion will essential. An ability to communicate complex and perhaps even unpopular concepts to other departments who may or may not be technically subordinate to you will also be vital. You will also need to be completely familiar with the needs and goals of the company, both short-term and strategically.

Excellent data analysis skills will help with this communication, as it will be required to explain major changes to all levels of the company.

Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Blackburn

A large town in Lancashire, Blackburn is a busy place with many opportunities for those looking for Continuous Improvement Manager vacancies. Plus, it's just nine miles from Preston and 20 miles from Manchester, thus offering an easy commute for those who live or work in these other locations.

From the middle of the 13th century, Blackburn was a mill town that produced textiles - and was once known as the weaving capital of the world. The spinning jenny, was invented by local James Hargreaves in 1764 and it paved the way for Blackburn to become one of the first industrialised towns.

After the end of the second world war, Blackburn's textile sector experienced a brief boost, and then fell into decline. Along with the rest of the region, a combination of deindustrialisation and global competition meant much of the work was outsourced abroad and the town suffered economically.

Today, Blackburn is experiencing a renewal, as the economy switches from manufacturing-led industries to the service sector. However, around 20 per cent of the local workforce is still based in manufacturing, with one major employer being BAE Systems.

Other top employers in Blackburn include the local council and Blackburn College, as well as the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The IT, finance and communications sectors also play a big part in the local economy, and many of the leading companies in these fields can be found in places like Greenbank Business Park and Shadsworth Business Park.

Popular locations

Cast UK’s logistics opportunities

People approach us looking for work for many reasons, chief among them seeking more fulfilment, moving house or looking for a promotion. Cast UK is the consultancy that not only candidates but also many employers come to first, so if you’re looking for a career change in logistics, there’s a good chance we’ll have a great job for you.

Cast UK’s founder members are from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, and our consultants are from the same fields, so we know what both employers and candidates are looking for. Our own success depends on our filling management and executive positions with the best people, so we have an interest in making sure we know our candidates and employers as well as possible.

The positions we offer cover the whole of the UK, so please check out what’s available in your region and do get in touch if you’ve seen something you’re interested in – your career might be about to take a turn for the better!

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Continuous Improvement Manager for your business or find you a job as a Continuous Improvement Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

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