LEAN Analyst in Southampton

Location: Hybrid, office based in Southampton, SO16 7NS - Domestic and/or limited international travel involved in this role.

Salary: £35-50 per hour DOE

Contract: Associate Basis / Self-Employed

We are DEKRA UK, part of a global organisation employing over 49,000 people in more than 60 countries! In the UK, we deliver a wide range of services spanning all industry types including but not limited to automotive, oil and gas, insurance, manufacturing, and chemical and process safety industries.

We are one of the world's most respected names in safety and risk management. We help organisations operate more efficiently, safely and sustainably - and we're now looking for a highly skilled LEAN Analyst to join us on an associate basis!

This is a unique opportunity to lead major process improvement projects that will directly influence our transformation journey, including the implementation of a new ERP (S4Hanna) and LIMS system across our Process Safety Laboratories and Consulting Services.

If you're a passionate LEAN expert, motivated by simplifying processes, eliminating waste, and driving operational excellence we want to hear from you!

About the LEAN Analyst role:

• As our LEAN Analyst, you will challenge existing practices, streamline workflows, and embed LEAN methodologies across the business.
• Your initial focus will be on the Process Safety division (specifically LIMS, Consulting Operating Systems, and ERP workflows) before expanding your support across DEKRA UK, including Automotive and Shared Services.
• You will be the driving force behind making complex processes simpler, smoother, and more efficient.

In addition to this, as our LEAN Analyst you will:

• Develop and deliver a structured plan to analyse and improve processes within Process Safety Laboratories and Consulting Services.
• Identify inefficiencies in current systems (including LIMS and ERP) and propose LEAN-driven improvements.
• Report monthly progress against KPIs, highlighting time savings, cost reductions, and headcount efficiencies.
• Lead the introduction of LEAN thinking across the UK business including training employees to Six Sigma White Belt level and developing internal LEAN Champions.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Training, Finance, IT, and Compliance teams to ensure alignment and shared goals.
• Work with the Global LEAN team to share best practice and bring UK operations in line with international standards.
• Ensure all work adheres to company policies, safety standards, data protection regulations, and relevant legislation.
• Deliver exceptional internal customer service, building strong relationships across departments.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and process consistency.

In order to be successful in this role you must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent).
• Proven experience delivering large-scale LEAN transformation projects.
• Strong understanding of process mapping, waste reduction, and workflow optimisation.
• Experience working with SAP financial/ERP systems (advantageous).
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels.
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a data-driven mindset.
• Experience managing or mentoring teams beneficial.
• A limited company with Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance aligned with DEKRA's minimum requirements or onboard through an umbrella company.

If you're motivated by continuous improvement and thrive in an environment where your ideas create real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and shape the future of operational excellence at DEKRA!