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- Tasks: Lead impactful improvement projects and mentor teams to enhance public services.
- Company: Join Defra, a key player in safeguarding the environment and supporting agriculture.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team culture, and opportunities for meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while growing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent experience in Continuous Improvement.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with exposure to strategic initiatives across the Defra group.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. In terms of programme and project delivery, Defra has one of the largest and most complicated portfolios in Government.
The Defra group Continuous Improvement Service exists to create and maintain a sustainable Continuous Improvement culture in Defra group. We do this by providing a professional change and improvement expertise across Defra group.
Responsibilities
- Expert consultancy – supporting clients to deliver measurable improvements.
- Competency building – through training and mentoring.
- Community development – sustaining practitioner networks and sharing expert guidance.
- Work on projects that make a real difference to public services and the environment.
- Be part of a supportive, expert team committed to professional excellence.
- Opportunities for development and exposure to strategic initiatives across Defra group.
Role
You will:
- Lead end-to-end improvement projects – from commission through implementation and benefits realisation.
- Support clients and teams to apply Continuous Improvement methodologies and tools effectively.
- Design and deliver training to our practitioner community and wider networks.
- Mentor and coach colleagues in applying improvement techniques.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of our Continuous Improvement Strategy and Service.
Person specification
We are looking for someone who is highly skilled, credible, and passionate about Continuous Improvement. You must be able to demonstrate:
- Professional qualification – Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Competency System.
- Proven experience delivering improvement projects from commission to benefits realisation.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong analytical skills – confident in data collection, analysis, and presenting insights to influence evidence-led decisions.
- Experience designing and delivering training to clients and peers.
- Facilitation expertise – shaping and running workshops both face-to-face and virtually.
- Coaching and mentoring capability – supporting others to apply Continuous Improvement tools and methods.
Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Competency System.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Using data to drive evidence-led decisions.
- Continuous improvement processes and tools.
Continuous Improvement Consultant employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Contact Detail:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Continuous Improvement field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past improvement projects and results. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see the impact you've made – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to Continuous Improvement methodologies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your Lean Six Sigma expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past projects, focus on the measurable improvements you’ve delivered. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead end-to-end improvement projects and the impact they had on public services or the environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the Continuous Improvement Consultant role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Know Your Continuous Improvement Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in Continuous Improvement methodologies like Lean Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these tools in past projects, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you led improvement projects or trained others. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you collect and analyse data to drive decisions. Bring examples of how your insights have influenced project outcomes, as this aligns with the role's focus on evidence-led decision-making.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about their Continuous Improvement Strategy and how you can contribute. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the role is right for you.
