Continuous Improvement Specialist
Job Description
About the role
As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will be a hands-on change agent focused on driving operational performance across our manufacturing site. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma foundations (5S, TPM, Visual Management, DMAIC), you will spend time on the shop floor identifying waste, eliminating process variation, and directly impacting key performance metrics (safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost). You will leverage data, analytical tools, AI and emerging digital solutions to diagnose root causes and coach site teams to build sustainable, self-service problem-solving habits. You will combine analytical experience with practical problem-solving to build intuitive dashboards, facilitate Kaizen events, and champion the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process. You will serve as an educator—teaching teams from White Belt fundamentals to A3 execution—to embed a lasting culture of site-wide autonomy and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Work Location/Status: On-site role based at our Cramlington facility.
• Hands-On Waste & Variation Reduction: Actively engage on the shop floor to map processes, uncover bottlenecks, and eliminate non-value-added activities using Lean / Six Sigma tools to directly improve key operational metrics.
• DMAIC Project Execution & Facilitation: Independently lead and execute productivity improvement projects utilizing the DMAIC framework, and facilitate root-cause problem-solving sessions, A3s, and Kaizen events to drive plant KPIs.
• MDI & ELS Deployment: Support facilitation of the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process across the site, supporting cross-functional teams with Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS) skillsets and disciplines to drive accountability and prioritization.
• Education & White Belt Training: Serve as a site educator by facilitating Lean Six Sigma White Belt training sessions, building foundational capabilities, and embedding a self-service mindset across all shifts and functions.
• Data Visualisation, Analytics & AI Integration: Analyze performance data using BI tools to build/maintain intuitive dashboards, and explore and adopt Gemini AI and digital tools to streamline Lean workflows and reduce administrative waste.
Requirements
Department: Lean Sigma
Function: Engineering
Experience Level: Associate