VP of Continuous Improvement

Morgan Latif is a specialist leadership search & development consultancy. We partner with clients across the Medical & Dental Technology, Packaging, Consumer, E-mobility, and Industrial Technology sectors to support their transformation and diversity objectives. Our mission is to combine traditional recruitment and coaching methodologies with innovative technology to deliver tailored solutions to both clients and candidates. Confidential SearchVP of Continuous ImprovementLocation: Flexible / Extensive International Travel The Company Our client is a fast-growing international manufacturer operating within the process industry, serving a global customer base in the food and consumer sectors.The organisation is a recognised leader in its field and is experiencing sustained, strong growth driven by long-term structural shifts in its markets. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning multiple continents, the business is entering an exciting new phase in which building world-class operational capability will be central to its continued success.As part of this journey, the company is establishing a global Continuous Improvement function for the first time. The Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to build a Continuous Improvement capability from the ground up in a high-growth, international business.Reporting to the COO, the VP of Continuous Improvement will define what good looks like across the organisation, connect the manufacturing network with the functions around it, and embed a genuine culture of improvement and execution.The role offers significant scope and visibility, including:Designing and embedding enterprise-wide, cross-functional processesDriving a step change in customer delivery performanceBuilding a new function and team from scratchSupporting and developing site leadership across a global networkThis role is ideal for a people-focused improvement leader who delivers change through coaching, influence and credibility rather than authority. Key ResponsibilitiesBuilding the Continuous Improvement CapabilityEstablish continuous improvement as a core discipline across the businessDefine and communicate a clear vision of operational excellenceIdentify the areas of greatest improvement potential and build the team to deliver themEnterprise-Wide Process ImprovementBreak down silos across planning, procurement, sales, product management, R&D, engineering and operationsDesign and implement robust cross-functional processesIntegrate functional plans into a single, coherent business planSimplify and optimise product flow across the networkDelivery PerformanceDrive significant improvement in on-time delivery to customersReduce lead times and improve network responsivenessStreamline the supply network and move closer to the customerReduce reliance on inventory through stronger, more reliable processesCulture & Capability BuildingCoach, teach and support teams on the shop floor and in the officeCreate followership at every level, from operators to the executive teamEmpower people to take decisions at the right levelBring structure and stability to sites experiencing rapid growth Candidate Profile The company is seeking a Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence leader from the process industry who combines credible improvement expertise with exceptional influencing and people skills.Successful candidates typically demonstrate:A track record of taking an organisation from low to high operational maturityStrength in cross-functional and transactional process improvement, not only manufacturingSolid understanding of process-industry tools such as TPM, preventive maintenance and asset reliabilityThe ability to secure genuine buy-in rather than complianceA calm, methodical, coaching-led leadership styleCredibility and comfort communicating from shop floor to boardroomStrong cultural awareness and experience working across geographiesThe capacity to scale with a business that is growing rapidly Experience within chemicals, specialty chemicals, oil & gas, food & ingredients, or other continuous or batch process manufacturing environments is essential. Please note that this role involves extensive international travel. We look forward to receiving your application!