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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive continuous improvement and efficiency in major construction projects.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in UK infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension schemes, and exclusive employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with a passion for lean principles and problem-solving.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Business Improvement Specialist role at Balfour Beatty plc.
Our Balfour Beatty Highways business has a terrific opportunity for a Business Improvement Specialist to join our £1.2 billion Lower Thames Crossing project, consisting of 43 bridges, including viaducts, 17km of complex highways construction, complex utility diversions and a scheme‑wide, industry‑leading approach to carbon reduction. Balfour Beatty Highways maintains, manages and operates major highway networks across the UK and supports local authorities to create communities where people want to live, work and play.
As a Business Improvement Specialist you will be tasked with supporting, managing and delivering continuous improvement and efficiency projects across Major Projects and Highways.
What you’ll be doing
- Analyse current work practices to identify areas for improvement and educate on how to improve business and deliverable processes.
- Perform workplace audits and streamline processes within the area of responsibility.
- Map processes, value streams and identify inefficiencies in productivity with a focus on layouts, sequencing and programme improvements.
- Recommend changes that can cut waste from operating procedures.
- Deploy appropriate methodologies to solve problems and support teams; ensure an effective escalation process for problem‑solving.
- Demonstrate performance excellence behaviours and champion performance excellence.
People Management
- Support and coach less‑experienced team members.
- Foster operational excellence behaviours through coaching, mentoring and training.
- Support the development of strategic delivery and supply‑chain partners on site to ensure they are part of the improvement process and culture.
Relationship Management
- Maintain an effective interface with other departmental staff.
- Provide feedback to the management team to share ideas and improve operations, recommending and implementing continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality and environmental standards and all company policies and procedures.
Who we’re looking for
Skills and Attributes
- Understand lean principles, tools and techniques.
- Awareness of ISO9001, 44001 and 18404 is an advantage.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to present data effectively.
- Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Understanding of cost and financial impacts.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
Qualifications and Experience Levels
- Relevant business/commercial, engineering or manufacturing degree preferred, but not required.
- Experience applying lean tools and techniques in a construction environment, including continuous improvement and problem‑solving, process improvement and poka‑yoke (error‑proofing) techniques.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
- Substantial process improvement experience with demonstrable knowledge.
An Excellent Range of Benefits Awaits the Successful Candidate
- 42 core base hours per week
- 25 days annual leave
- Pension savings schemes
- Whole host of other BB staff employee benefits (discounts, exclusive offers, etc.)
- Refer‑a‑friend bonus scheme
- Scores of other Balfour Beatty opportunities available via our careers portal.
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects—building and maintaining vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Benefits
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family‑friendly policies: 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave, four weeks full pay for paternity/partner leave.
- Pension, share‑incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.
About Us
Balfour Beatty’s Highways business delivers major schemes, including motorway upgrade programmes, complex national infrastructure projects and regional investment programme works for National Highways. We put the road user at the heart of everything we do, working safely, reducing carbon emissions and adding social value to the communities we serve.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background.
We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Construction
Business Improvement Specialist in Grays employer: Balfour Beatty plc
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Improvement Specialist in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Balfour Beatty and their projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role involves continuous improvement, be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past. Use real examples to demonstrate your analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Balfour Beatty.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Improvement Specialist in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Improvement Specialist role. Highlight your experience with lean principles and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about continuous improvement and how you can contribute to our Lower Thames Crossing project. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've successfully solved problems or improved processes. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills, especially in a construction environment!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty plc
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on lean principles, tools, and techniques before the interview. Balfour Beatty is looking for someone who can analyse work practices and identify areas for improvement, so be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled inefficiencies in previous projects. Be specific about the methodologies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication is key for this role, practice presenting data clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex ideas, so think about how you can make them understandable and engaging for different audiences.
✨Emphasise Team Support and Coaching
Balfour Beatty values mentorship and support within teams. Be prepared to share your experiences in coaching or mentoring others, and how you foster operational excellence behaviours. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who contributes to a positive work culture.
