Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Continuous Improvement Manager is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
A Continuous Improvement Manager (CI Manager) plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector by leading efforts to optimise operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. They focus on implementing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to enhance productivity and profitability while ensuring that quality standards are adhered to. The role also involves driving cultural change, encouraging teams to embrace ongoing improvement and innovation within manufacturing processes.
With increasing operational costs, and rising pressure to remain globally competitive, the role of a CI Manager has never been more critical. Manufacturers are looking for leaders who can streamline production, cut unnecessary costs, and adapt to changing market conditions, all while maintaining high-quality outputs.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
The demand for Continuous Improvement Managers in New Zealand is set to rise as manufacturing companies increasingly prioritise operational efficiency and adaptability. Businesses are focusing on cost reduction and productivity gains, driving the adoption of lean manufacturing practices and continuous process improvement. Skilled CI Managers are essential to these efforts, as companies look to remain competitive through streamlined operations.
Sustainability and regulatory compliance are also central to this demand. With heightened focus on reducing waste, enhancing energy efficiency, and meeting strict environmental standards, CI Managers play a critical role, especially in sectors like food processing and packaging. Additionally, the acceleration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as data analytics, automation, and AI, is pushing companies to seek CI Managers with a blend of technical and leadership expertise to integrate these advancements effectively.
New Zealand’s talent pool is relatively small, presenting an opportunity for businesses to consider candidates from abroad with global experience in large-scale continuous improvement. This injection of international talent could bring valuable insights and expertise, strengthening New Zealand’s capacity for operational excellence.
Career Prospects
A career as a Continuous Improvement Manager offers strong growth potential in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. Typically, CI Managers progress from roles such as Process Engineers, Quality Assurance Managers, or Production Managers before advancing to leadership positions overseeing company-wide improvement initiatives.
As manufacturers increasingly prioritise efficiency and sustainability, CI Managers are well-positioned to move into senior leadership roles, such as Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or even Director of Manufacturing. The skills developed in continuous improvement—such as project management, data-driven decision-making, and team leadership—are transferable across various industries, including logistics, construction, and healthcare, providing career mobility outside the traditional manufacturing space.
Qualifications
Most Continuous Improvement Managers hold a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, or Business Management. Many companies in New Zealand look for candidates with a certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), or other process improvement methodologies. Practical experience in managing projects and leading teams within a manufacturing environment is often highly valued.
In addition, familiarity with New Zealand’s specific health, safety, and environmental regulations is becoming increasingly important, particularly for CI Managers working in sectors like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials.
Key Skills Required
Continuous Improvement professionals need a combination of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. The following key skills and qualifications are critical:
Technical Skills:
- Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and/or other continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems
- Data analysis and statistical tools to monitor and improve processes (e.g., SPC, Pareto analysis)
- Familiarity with process mapping and value stream mapping
- Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, including automation, IoT, and data analytics, as manufacturers adopt these tools to drive improvement
Soft Skills:
- Leadership and team-building abilities to inspire and engage cross-functional teams in improvement projects
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking, particularly in identifying inefficiencies and developing innovative solutions
- Project management skills to manage timelines, resources, and budgets while implementing process improvements
- Communication and interpersonal skills for effectively working with staff at all levels, from shop floor employees to senior management
- Adaptability, as the role requires continuously evaluating and improving changing processes
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits. Salaries for Continuous Improvement Managers vary depending on experience, industry, and location. However, the role typically offers competitive pay due to its impact on a company’s efficiency and bottom line.
- Entry-Level: $85,000 – $100,000
- Mid-Level: $105,000 – $130,000
- Senior-Level: $140,000 – $160,000+
Salaries are typically higher in industries that face complex manufacturing challenges, such as advanced manufacturing, food production, or heavy industry. CI Managers in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch tend to earn more than those in smaller regions due to the concentration of manufacturing companies and the higher demand for skilled professionals.
In addition to a base salary, CI Managers may also receive bonuses tied to the successful implementation of cost-saving or efficiency-improving initiatives. Performance-based incentives and profit-sharing schemes are becoming increasingly common as manufacturers look to reward professionals who can deliver measurable results.
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Production Manager, please contact Senior Consultant John Boyle. John specialises in specialises the recruitment of Operations and Engineering. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
