CI Manager (m/f/d)

Location: Weissenthurm

Department: Continuous Improvement (CI)

Key responsibilities:

AMPS Strategy & Implementation:

• Lead the rollout and ongoing management of the Ardagh Metal Production System (AMPS) at the plant level, ensuring alignment with regional CI strategies, global standards, and plant priorities.
• Drive AMPS implementation through the use of global models, standard templates, and site-specific use cases to deliver targeted performance improvements.
• Conduct AMPS assessments, audits, and maturity evaluations to track progress and ensure compliance with established standards.
• Develop and maintain the plant’s CI roadmap in collaboration with the Regional CI Director.
• Coordinate AMPS initiatives, prepare assessment reports, and support plant leadership in implementing actions for performance improvement.

(*AMPS = Ardagh Metal Production System, which is a production system based on lean management and ideas from TPS)

Operational Excellence:

• Identify, lead, and support CI projects to improve OEE, reduce downtime, increase throughput, minimize waste, and optimize productivity.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., A3, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to identify root causes and deliver measurable improvements.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and cross-functional projects focused on achieving operational gains.
• Monitor and track CI project outcomes to ensure sustainability and alignment with plant and business goals.
• Link CI efforts to cost reduction initiatives, tracking cycle times, savings, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Capability Building & Coaching:

• Deliver AMPS and CI training across all levels of the plant workforce—from frontline operators to plant leadership.
• Coach managers, supervisors, and teams on Lean tools, daily management systems, and performance tracking methods.
• Identify AMPS-related training needs and provide Lean and Six Sigma training as appropriate.
• Develop and mentor internal CI champions to build site-level ownership and long-term capability in continuous improvement.

Culture & Change Leadership:

• Act as a change agent within the plant, promoting the adoption of Lean thinking and a structured culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all CI activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and a sustained CI mindset.
• Facilitate cultural transformation through consistent messaging, role modeling, and reinforcement of AMPS principles in day-to-day operations.

Collaboration & Influence:

• Partner with the Regional CI Director and Plant Manager to align plant CI initiatives with broader regional strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional plant leadership teams to support strategic priorities, operational excellence, and cultural change.
• Facilitate sharing of best practices across sites, contributing to regional and global learning.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Provide regular reporting on CI project progress, KPIs, cost savings, and AMPS maturity to plant and regional stakeholders.
• Promote standardization and harmonization of CI tools and practices in alignment with corporate guidelines.
• Support site readiness for AMPS assessments and ongoing CI evaluations.
• Participate in benchmarking activities to evaluate plant performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to the Ardagh Best Practices initiative by identifying, implementing, and sharing high-impact practices.

Requirements:

• University Degree in Engineer
• Certified in Six Sigma Black Belt
• Fluent in spoken and written German and English
• Project Management applying both Lean and Six Sigma
• Proficient in MS Office tools
• Strong understanding of Production Systems
• Process and data driven mindset with strong ability to understand the plant´s technologies & processes
• Proficient in data analysis and CI tools
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated application of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
• Comfortable engaging with all levels of Management including Regional and Global leadership
• Ability to interact and network with all in- and external stakeholders, exceptional relation-building skills
• Clear and concise communicator able to build a compelling vision or direction
• Willingness to learn and teach new methodologies and tools
• Strong presentation, motivation and good listening skills
• Leader and team builder, effectively dealing with cross cultural business environment
• Good problem-solving, team-working and conflict management skills
• Able to deal with ambiguity and able to resolve problems in that environment
• Analtical thinking
• Flexible and resilient
• Change management

Benefits:

• Above-tariff salary package / 40-hour work week
• Free on-site parking/ on-site cafeteria
• Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Opportunities for personal and professional development

About Ardagh Metal Packaging

Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading supplier of sustainable and infinitely recyclable beverage cans to brand owners globally. A subsidiary of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is an industry player across Europe and the Americas with innovative production capabilities. AMP operates 24 production facilities in nine countries, employing more than 6,300 employees with sales of approximately $4.7 billion.

AMP is 75%-owned by Ardagh Group and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMBP.

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group operates 65 metal and glass production facilities in 16 countries, employing more than 21,000 people with sales of approximately $10 billion. Ardagh Group produces:

· many of the cans and bottles that contain your favourite beverages.

· packaging made from metal and glass – permanent materials that can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality.

· more than 160 million containers per day.