At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive a culture of innovation in manufacturing.
- Company: Join Astemo UK, a global leader in automotive manufacturing with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Exciting growth opportunities, diverse work environment, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team that values diversity and creativity.
- Why this job: Be a change agent and inspire teams to achieve excellence in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing, Lean expertise, and a passion for coaching and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Kaizen Lead is responsible for driving a sustainable culture of continuous improvement across the business. The role focuses on data-led problem solving, coaching and capability building, and the structured deployment of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. The CI Lead will act as a change agent, working closely with operations and leadership teams to deliver measurable business improvements.
Typical Knowledge & Skills
- Strong capability in data analysis, interpretation, and statistical problem solving
- Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement frameworks
- Demonstrable experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops
- Understanding of automotive manufacturing environments (electronics assembly preferred)
- Strong coaching mindset with the ability to develop individuals and teams
- Influential change agent able to challenge constructively and inspire engagement
- Proactive, resilient, and results-focused with a high level of personal accountability
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment
Qualifications and Previous Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment
- Experience coaching, training, or facilitating improvement activities
- Knowledge of quality and operational systems relevant to automotive (e.g. IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA)
- Six Sigma project experience (Green Belt required; Black Belt desirable)
Duties & Key Responsibilities
- Champion and embed a continuous improvement culture aligned with automotive industry standards and business objectives
- Act as a role model for Lean thinking, high-performance behaviours, and problem-solving discipline
- Analyse manufacturing, quality, and operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
- Ensure improvement projects are data-driven, with clear baselines, targets, and benefits tracking
- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and breakthrough improvement activities across production and support functions
- Apply Lean tools such as value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, SMED, error-proofing (Poka-Yoke), and waste elimination
- Ensure improvements are standardised, sustained, and embedded into daily operations
- Coach and mentor individuals and teams at all levels in CI tools, problem-solving, and Lean behaviours
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Leadership teams
- Provide regular progress updates on CI performance, projects, and benefits realisation
- Support audits, customer requirements, and industry standards relevant to automotive electronics manufacturing
At Astemo, we respect each other, never pass the buck and work creatively to accomplish our mission. Our people are given exciting opportunities to develop and grow in a truly international business, where they are proud to be part of a collaborative and innovative team. Diversity & Inclusion is valued to build and leverage an inclusive work environment and embrace diversity to unlock our full potential. We believe that this will give us the strength to drive great innovations to create new values for people, vehicles, and society, and to unlock our full potential to become a global leader in everything we do.
Kaizen Lead in Manchester employer: Astemo Indiana
At Astemo UK, LTD, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions continuous improvement and innovation within the automotive manufacturing sector. Our employees benefit from robust growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to driving meaningful change. Located in a fast-paced environment, our Kaizen Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping our operational excellence while enjoying the support of a forward-thinking organisation that values every individual's contribution.
