Continuous Improvement Manager

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Location: Dunkirk, France

The Company:

Part of a global family owned company, our client is leading European producer of polypropylene with successful history that spans 35 years.

The Role:

• Responsible for driving the continuous improvement agenda and positioning the plant as a leader in operational cost efficiency and modern manufacturing practices.
• Leads all aspects of plant improvement, working closely with the Operations Manager to deliver sustainable gains in productivity, cost, and compliance.
• Ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, including various audits and inspections, and builds strong relationships with technology licensors and suppliers to keep the plant at the forefront of innovation.
• Reporting to the General Manager, this role is critical for ensuring the plant’s competitive edge in operational excellence, compliance, and technological advancement, supporting the long-term success of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, alignment, and execution of a comprehensive plant improvement strategy focused on operational cost, efficiency, and modernization
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager and site leadership to identify, prioritize, and implement continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging industry best practices and synergies with Pinnacle.
• In close collaboration with the Operations manager and site leadership, oversee all regulatory compliance activities, including ATEX, HAZOP and SIL studies, relevant plant audits and inspections, ensuring the plant meets or exceeds all legal requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for group Opex team, technology licensors and key suppliers, monitoring industry trends and facilitating the adoption of new technologies and best practices
• Lead and coach cross-functional teams in the deployment of improvement projects, ensuring clear targets, robust follow-up, and sustainable results.
• Coordinate and facilitate training and technical expertise-building programs for operational staff to level up overall expertise and to embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the plant
• Ensure all Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and critical technical expertise are fully documented and kept up-to-date, and update and upgrade communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• In close collaboration with Operations Manager and site leadership, manage planned statutory TARs
• Analyse plant performance data to identify losses, benchmark against best-in-class standards, and drive corrective actions to close performance gaps.
• Drives modernization initiatives, including digitalization initiatives, OT security, preventive maintenance approach and use of relevant AI tools to deliver efficiency gains.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and compliance in all improvement and modernization activities.

Person Profile:

• Process Engineer degree in chemical manufacturing process or related technical field.
• At least 7 years of experience in polymers, chemical or related raw materials manufacturing, with a strong track record in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or process engineering roles.
• Demonstrated experience in TAR management and leading improvement projects in a chemical, polymer, or process industry environment. Knowledge of Unipol PP process will be a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, including HAZOP, audits, and plant inspections.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Proven ability to build relationships with external technology partners and machine and equipment suppliers.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to drive change across all levels of the organization
• Experience with digitalization and modern manufacturing technologies is a plus
  Can converse fluently and write in detail on a broad range of topics in English

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, hands-on approach to driving change and delivering results.
• Strong team player and collaborator, able to work effectively with plant leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
• Committed to fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous learning.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and resilience in a fast-paced environment

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For EU roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the European Union. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application

Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Plastics Live UK, The advanced materials show UK, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025