About the Client

Our client is a nationally recognised business with a long standing reputation in the market. They have a reputation that stems 4 decades and have made significant strides forward in the last 5 years. They have invested significantly in people, technology and equipment when others have stood still. They are increasingly known for delivering innovative, high-performance solutions across FMCG, industrial and Agriculture sectors with a genuine "care for their customers". This role is about building solutions together and taking those ideas to the manufacturing floor. This is a cutting edge role and as such we are looking for someone with deep technical expertise.

As part of their ongoing transformation and strategic investment, they are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded  Strategic Initiatives Manager  to join their M anufacturing Operations  to drive key technical and customer-facing projects across the business.

The Opportunity

This newly created, high-impact role will see you leading cross-functional initiatives that drive performance, innovation, and growth. You’ll work closely with stakeholders from manufacturing, commercial, and product development teams to deliver cutting-edge packaging solutions, process improvements, and strategic programs that enhance both operational output and customer engagement.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone with a hands-on manufacturing background, a strong commercial mindset, and the confidence to work directly with senior customer stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Process Innovation

• Identify and lead technical improvement initiatives focused on plant performance, efficiency, waste reduction, and product quality.
• Collaborate across production, engineering, and supply chain to deliver impactful solutions.
• Utilise Lean, Six Sigma or other CI methodologies to achieve measurable outcomes.

• Partner with product, commercial, and customer teams to translate concepts into commercially viable packaging solutions.
• Facilitate customer innovation workshops and lead technical presentations that articulate clear value propositions.
• Manage pilot programs and trials, ensuring technical feasibility and customer alignment.

• Lead the delivery of business-critical strategic projects from concept through to implementation.
• Bridge the gap between commercial goals and operational delivery, ensuring scalability and profitability.
• Report progress to senior leaders, adapt to evolving business priorities, and maintain focus on impact and outcomes.

• Build strong, long-term relationships with key accounts to reinforce the business as a trusted innovation partner.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to inform innovation and strategy.

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline would be ideal.
• 5-10 + years' experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting – ideally FMCG, packaging, or another form of high-speed production.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives with both technical and commercial deliverables.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience bringing new product solutions to market.
• Skilled in engaging with senior-level customers and presenting technical insights with clarity and confidence.
• Lean, Six Sigma or CI certification/experience is highly desirable.

• The chance to step into a manufacturing role that is anything but routine and a role that uses your commercial and presentation skills to develop and commercialise solutions for customers.
• High-visibility role with direct impact on strategic direction, innovation, and operational improvement.
• Work in a collaborative, agile environment with opportunities to progress across innovation, commercial, and operational leadership.