Continuous Improvement Specialist in Eastleigh

CooperVision is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It's more than making contact lenses, it's about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives.

Job Summary:

This role is to help deliver the Continuous Improvement Strategy, contribute to embedding a CI culture and to improve business performance across two sites (600+ employees) within Inventory, Packaging and Distribution departments and support function teams. The CI specialist will perform duties as a Coach, Facilitator, Problem Solver and Project Manager to make waste visible and easier to eradicate.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Encourage a CI culture and skill development across the organisation.
• Actively promote and communicate progress of CI activities, including creating and sharing content for Iris, Blink, CI boards and other communication channels.
• Administrating the Eureka Programme and co-leading the Committee and monthly Workshop sessions.
• Foster influential relationships with staff across all levels of the business, with a key focus on engaging operators.
• Ensure good relationship management with stakeholders.
• Coach others to empower their ownership of CI opportunities, particularly through the "Eureka" ideas programme.
• Managing CI projects ensuring timely and sustainable implementation of CI ideas, escalating issues when they occur.
• Progress tracking and benefits realisation.
• Perform data collection and analysis to identify opportunities for process improvements and managing implementation plans.
• Leading the implementation of process improvements using appropriate controlled methods (lean or six sigma approach) and associated documentation.
• Contribute to the creation of training materials for CI topics.
• Deliver training modules on CI tools, techniques & methodologies.
• Collate and present analysis / trend findings with cost justification for process or equipment improvements.
• Lead small-medium groups in CI activities – e.g., Kaizen events, Waste walks.
• Lead implementation of the 5S cycle in Operations (MP & DP).
• Facilitate events, providing guidance and training in CI tools & techniques and promoting the CI strategy.
• On occasion, and by prior agreement with the CI Leader, required to work irregular hours to engage with all shift patterns or support specific projects.
• Responsible for managing your own delegated workload using Management Routines (Standard Work).
• Prioritises Health, Safety and Environment in their way of working.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the CI team's ways of working.
• Support projects from the continuous improvement perspective by utilising continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Creates and updates project deliverables in support of project objectives and works closely with Departmental Managers on related projects or programs on dependencies, updating schedules and predecessors/successors, communication planning, and creating other plans and records as necessary.
• Works collaboratively in a fast paced, agile environment where close teamwork and partnering are essential. Builds positive, productive working relationships across the organisation.
• Addresses project challenges effectively, evaluating alternatives, proposing and implementing solutions, and taking corrective action as necessary.
• Ensures project objectives delivery on time and to agreed cost.
• Other related duties connected with the Company's business priorities.

Travel Requirements:

Some local travel will be required between sites. Occasional domestic travel may be expected of less than 5%.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Excellent collaboration, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring and facilitation skills.
• Creative and clear communication skills to engage with all levels of the business and articulate complex information in an understandable way.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills.
• Analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience of implementing and sustaining continuous improvements.
• Knowledge of quality & process improvement methodologies.
• Enthusiasm and flexibility, a team player, able to work alone using your initiative or within a team.
• Excellent active listening skills and high attention to detail.

Desired but not essential:

• Proficient in WMS, Redzone OEE & Agile.
• Understanding of key company KPIs (OEE, OTIF, etc).
• Experience in project management.
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) qualification.
• Knowledge of Lean and / or Six Sigma methodologies.

Work Environment:

Office & Warehouse environment with moderate levels of noise across all UK sites. Frequent time in Packaging / Distribution / Inventory areas around equipment with moving parts. Required to work for extended hours with a personal computer to prepare documents and reports. May be required to travel to and work at global sites for short periods of time.

Experience And Education:

• Experience in monitoring processes and products.
• Proven participation in Continuous Improvement / Lean / Six Sigma activities.
• Experience of managing multiple initiatives concurrently.
• An understanding of Change Management (technical & culture).
• Higher Education / A Levels or equivalent.
• Project Management / Leadership / Planning / Finance – would be advantageous.

Desired but not essential:

• Experience of working in a regulated environment (FDA).
• Knowledge of Inventory / Packaging / Distribution processes & systems.

What we offer:

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more! We are committed to our employees' personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect:

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.

If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today! All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.