Continuous Improvement Lead - Newry

Job Overview

The Continuous Improvement Lead is responsible for improving processes and procedures, as well as leading and managing continuous improvement projects. Typically, this will include identifying and resolving operational issues, enhancing productivity, reducing waste or reducing costs. The Continuous Improvement Lead will report to the Site Manufacturing Lead

Main Activities and responsibilities

• Identify, develop and prioritise strategies for improvement, developing objectives aligned to the organisational strategy.
• Lead the delivery of cross functional change projects in manufacturing operations to drive business transformation and strategic breakthrough.
• Facilitate complex and challenging Continuous Improvement interventions, working with diverse groups of key stakeholders within the business such as Production, QA, R&D, Engineering and Supply Chain.
• Develop and execute action plans that result in quality, productivity, and cost savings by eliminating wasteful or ineffective processes and procedures.
• Analyse and interpret information from a range of sources to facilitate data driven decision-making.
• Provide key stakeholders and senior leadership team with monitoring reports and information, including analysis and advice.
• Facilitate a Continuous Improvement culture within the organisation through providing training, development and coaching to build change management and improvement Ensure change is implemented on time, in budget and with lasting results.
• Capability and knowledge in manufacturing.
• Champion the use of lean and Six Sigma methodology by manufacturing and operational managers through role modelling of best practice behaviour and knowledge sharing.
• Provide technical expertise for Continuous Improvement including quality assurance, advice and specialist knowledge of the deployment of Continuous Improvement.
• Share best practice across the organisation, supporting Continuous Improvement in other sites.
• Support operational excellence through playing a key role in Gemba Walks, Pyramid Meetings, Deviations and CAPAs.
• Build strong cross functional relationships and a professional network within the organisation.

Essential Criteria:

· A minimum of three years of Continuous Improvement project management experience within a manufacturing environment.

· Demonstrable experience in leading improvement projects and project teams.

· Experience in implementing systems change with quantifiable outcomes.

· Working knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma tools, principles, and methodologies

Desirable Criteria:

· Degree qualified (or equivalent) in chemical, mechanical or material science engineering or related area.

· Six Sigma Certified Black Belt.

· Experience within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Duration: Full time, permanent

Location: Newry

Additional Information:

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for this role. Norbrook does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Where an applicant's current right to work is time-limited, they must be able to maintain their right to work without employer sponsorship.
• We regret that applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted.

Benefits:

• Free life assurance
• Pension salary sacrifice scheme with 5% employer contribution
• Healthcare cash plan
• 32 days annual leave (increasing with length of service)
• Wedding leave
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity Pay
• Company Sick Pay
• Subsidised Canteen Facilities
• FREE On-site parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech Purchase Scheme
• Free Will-Writing Service
• Employee perks/discounts scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employee well-being initiatives
• Employee recognition scheme
• Career development opportunities

About The Role

Job Overview

The Continuous Improvement Lead is responsible for improving processes and procedures, as well as leading and managing continuous improvement projects. Typically, this will include identifying and resolving operational issues, enhancing productivity, reducing waste or reducing costs. The Continuous Improvement Lead will report to the Site Manufacturing Lead

Main Activities and responsibilities

· Identify, develop and prioritise strategies for improvement, developing objectives aligned to the organisational strategy.

· Lead the delivery of cross functional change projects in manufacturing operations to drive business transformation and strategic breakthrough.

· Facilitate complex and challenging Continuous Improvement interventions, working with diverse groups of key stakeholders within the business such as Production, QA, R&D, Engineering and Supply Chain.

· Develop and execute action plans that result in quality, productivity, and cost savings by eliminating wasteful or ineffective processes and procedures.

· Analyse and interpret information from a range of sources to facilitate data driven decision-making.

· Provide key stakeholders and senior leadership team with monitoring reports and information, including analysis and advice.

· Facilitate a Continuous Improvement culture within the organisation through providing training, development and coaching to build change management and improvement Ensure change is implemented on time, in budget and with lasting results.

· Capability and knowledge in manufacturing.

· Champion the use of lean and Six Sigma methodology by manufacturing and operational managers through role modelling of best practice behaviour and knowledge sharing.

· Provide technical expertise for Continuous Improvement including quality assurance, advice and specialist knowledge of the deployment of Continuous Improvement.

· Share best practice across the organisation, supporting Continuous Improvement in other sites.

· Support operational excellence through playing a key role in Gemba Walks, Pyramid Meetings, Deviations and CAPAs.

· Build strong cross functional relationships and a professional network within the organisation.

Required Criteria

• • A minimum of three years of Continuous Improvement project management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• • Demonstrable experience in leading improvement projects and project teams.
• • Experience in implementing systems change with quantifiable outcomes.
• • Working knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma tools, principles, and methodologies

Desired Criteria

• • Degree qualified (or equivalent) in chemical, mechanical or material science engineering or related area.
• • Six Sigma Certified Black Belt
• • Experience within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

About The Company

Founded in 1969 by the late Lord Ballyedmond in Newry, Norbrook is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of veterinary pharmaceuticals. The company develops, produces, and exports a broad portfolio of products for both large and companion animals—antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antiparasitics, intramammaries and more—with over 300 product registrations.

Norbrook operates multiple world-class manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland (including Newry and Monaghan) and Kenya, and supports its markets through regional sales, technical and regulatory teams. It exports to more than 100 countries and is known for its regulatory compliance (including FDA, EMA & VMD approvals) and ongoing investment in R&D.

For candidates seeking a role in animal health, Norbrook offers a blend of scientific excellence, global impact, and long-term career growth.

Company Culture

At Norbrook , the culture is grounded in scientific excellence, ownership, and community commitment. The company values innovation, continuous improvement, and precision, ensuring its people stay ahead with training and professional development.

Employees often speak of a strong sense of purpose—knowing their work improves animal health globally—and a collaborative environment where quality and compliance matter deeply.

Being family-owned , there remains a close connection between leadership and staff, with transparency, respect, and accountability. Norbrook also places importance on giving back locally—through charity efforts, community engagement, and environmental awareness—making it an employer where work is meaningful not just in product, but in impact.

Company Benefits

Norbrook offers a compelling benefits package designed to support and reward its staff. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, with clearly defined career progression paths.

The company invests heavily in ongoing training, upskilling, and R&D roles, ensuring that technical and scientific employees are supported to grow.

Norbrook also offers strong compliance with regulatory standards, enabling staff to work in environments validated by FDA, EMA, VMD etc. Other benefits include pension provision, health and safety protections, and participation in local community and charitable activities.

With a stable global business, Norbrook provides opportunities for international exposure, cross-region collaboration, and the satisfaction of contributing to animal health worldwide.

Salary

Not disclosed