Continuous Improvement Manager / Plant Manager / Production Manager
Location: UK, Netherlands, Germany or Spain (Remote with travel across UK/EU)
Sector: Connected Worker / Smart Factory Software / Manufacturing
This is not a traditional Continuous Improvement Manager, Plant Manager or Production Manager role.
We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing professional with 10+ years in industry, who understands the realities of running production environments and is looking to apply that experience in a customer-facing Pre Sales Solutions Consultant position.
Technology alone does not drive performance in manufacturing. Output, quality, and efficiency improve when production, maintenance, and quality teams are aligned, operating with clear processes, and empowered by real-time data. In high-throughput, high-pressure environments, the ability to act quickly on accurate information is critical.
Our client’s connected worker platform is designed specifically for these environments. It enables frontline teams to improve communication, resolve issues faster, and drive measurable productivity gains without additional capital investment. With a strong presence across global manufacturing—particularly in Food & Beverage and Automotive—they support organisations in improving operational performance, workforce engagement, and plant resilience.
They are seeking a Manufacturing Pre Sales Solutions Consultant to support enterprise sales engagements across the UK and Europe. This role focuses on engaging prospective customers, leading operational assessments, and translating complex manufacturing challenges into clear, outcome-driven value propositions.
This role is best suited to individuals who have held senior roles within plant operations or continuous improvement and can credibly engage site leadership teams. While this is a pre-sales function, success is built on operational expertise and industry credibility.
The Role
You will act as a subject matter expert during the sales process, supporting complex engagements by aligning real-world manufacturing challenges with practical, measurable solutions.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead onsite and remote operational assessments within manufacturing environments
* Engage plant leadership teams to understand constraints across production, maintenance, and quality
* Translate operational challenges into quantified business cases (ROI, throughput improvement, cost reduction)
* Deliver executive-level presentations aligned to operational and financial priorities
* Support account executives in progressing complex, multi-stakeholder sales cycles
* Develop detailed technical scoping documentation based on plant-level requirements
* Coordinate with implementation teams to ensure alignment between sales and delivery
* Contribute to RFP/RFQ processes and structured proposal development
About You
Essential experience:
* 10+ years in manufacturing, with a background in operations, continuous improvement, or compliance leadership
* Direct, hands-on experience within plant environments in manufacturing
* Strong understanding of high-volume, high-speed production environments and associated challenges
* Proven application of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
* Ability to engage and influence plant managers, site leaders, and senior stakeholders
* Strong commercial awareness, including exposure to budgeting, CAPEX planning, and P&L responsibility
Preferred experience:
* 5+ years of experience working in FMCG and/or F&B manufacturing
* Experience leading plant-level transformation, operational excellence, or CI programmes
* Familiarity with manufacturing technologies such as MES, OEE, Connected Worker, or Smart Factory platforms
* Experience building or contributing to investment cases and ROI justification
* Exposure to multi-site or enterprise manufacturing environments
* Additional European language skills (e.g. Italian or Spanish)
Why Apply
This is an opportunity to step out of a single-site leadership role and apply your experience across a range of manufacturing environments. You will work with established organisations, supporting them in improving performance through practical, operator-focused technology. The role offers exposure to complex operational challenges, direct engagement with decision-makers, and the ability to influence measurable outcomes at scale.
Additional Information
* Remote role with travel across the UK and Europe (up to 75% during peak periods)
* Full-time, permanent position
* Competitive compensation aligned to experience
Think this could be your next role?
Please get in touch with FMC Talent to discuss further.
Reference Number: 22095
FMC Contact: