Continuous Improvement Lead in Redditch

Continuous Improvement Lead in Redditch

Redditch Full-Time 41000 - 44567 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Eaton Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Eaton, a global leader in aerospace and defence solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a culture of innovation.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values change management and employee engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing processes that keep advanced aircraft airborne.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in manufacturing with Lean and Continuous Improvement experience.

The predicted salary is between 41000 - 44567 £ per year.

At Eaton’s Lakeside facility, we don’t just manufacture components—we engineer precision. As a global leader in conveyance systems for the aerospace and defense industry, our site delivers mission‑critical hoses, couplings, ducting, and sealing solutions that power some of the world’s most advanced aircraft. This is where innovation meets reliability, and every product plays a role in keeping fleets airborne and operations secure.

What you’ll do:

  • CI Strategy & Deployment: Coordinate and execute ECIS strategy to support plant objectives and improvement plans. Lead deployment of the Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF) including: Visual controls, Process standardization, Leader standard work, Gemba walks, Manning strategy, Daily accountability, Process checks, 5S+. Facilitate strategy deployment events and cadence meetings. Lead CI Councils to drive alignment and execution.
  • Capability Building & Training: Build organizational ECIS capability through training, coaching, and consulting support. Develop local CI Tool Champions across the site. Act as an instructor, coach and mentor for: ECIS tools, Lean training and certification, Six Sigma (including Black Belt certification), CI training for frontline leaders, engineers and technicians. Coach and challenge site leadership teams in the application of ECIS methodologies. Support integration of: Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF), High Performance Work Teams (HPWT), Kaizen / Rapid Improvement Events, Lean Six Sigma and certification programs. Mentor cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, SCM, MESH) in Root cause analysis (A3, 8D) and problem‑solving methodologies.
  • CI Execution & Continuous Improvement Activities: Plan, facilitate, and support improvement events including: Rapid Improvement Events (RIE), Kaizen events, Business Process Improvement (BPI), Integrated Deck Building (IDB), 3P, VSM, EBS Pull, 4DX (4 Disciplines of Execution) to reduce non-value-added activities, 5S+. Lead A3, Six Sigma projects to achieve targeted results. Direct problem‑solving activities and coordinate corrective action plans.
  • Governance, Communication & Sustainability: Sustain achieved improvements through follow‑up reviews and capability development. Implement and track ECIS deployment metrics and OpA self‑assessment requirements. Ensure completion of annual assessments (ECIS, Operational Assessments), including: Gap analysis, Action planning, Progress monitoring. Provide regular status updates to senior leadership. Participate in performance reviews and highlight improvement opportunities.
  • Cost-Out & Business Impact: Support achievement of plant cost‑out goals aligned with the Profit Plan. Manage and maintain cost‑out hopper and improvement pipeline. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to deliver measurable savings.
  • Change Management & Culture: Utilize change management methodologies (e.g., ADKAR) to drive and sustain improvements. Promote continuous improvement culture and employee engagement. Ensure Eaton values and philosophies are embedded in daily operations.
  • Best Practices & Standardization: Implement Eaton best practices and drive internal standardization. Ensure successful practices are integrated and replicated across the organization.

Qualifications: BSC, MSC, Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Engineer 3+ Years.

Skills: Six sigma green/black belt certification is preferred. Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques – i.e. Value stream mapping, One piece flow, Set up reduction, Visual controls, Process standardization, Leader standard work, Gemba walks, Daily accountability, Process checks. Minimum three (3) years of experience in a Manufacturing Environment. Minimum three (3) years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence. Strong interpersonal and planning skills with proven ability to lead change through both direct and indirect (influencing) abilities. Can effectively and comfortably speak to different levels of the organization. Understanding of problem solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective action(s) – i.e. thought maps, 8D, root cause analysis, Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis, control charts, Pareto charts, etc. Proficiency in Office 365. Knowledge of industry and customer specific quality processes. Proficiency in MiniTab; knowledge of Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing. Knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and tools as they relate to minimizing process / product variability – i.e. regression analysis, hypothesis testing, etc. Knowledge of ECIS and EQS Tools. Coaching, mentor, learner, teacher.

Continuous Improvement Lead in Redditch employer: Eaton Corporation

Eaton’s Lakeside facility is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement in the aerospace and defense sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, including Lean and Six Sigma certifications, fostering personal and professional growth while contributing to mission-critical projects. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and employee engagement, Eaton cultivates a supportive environment where every team member plays a vital role in driving operational excellence and achieving impactful results.

Eaton Corporation

Contact Details:

Eaton Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Lead in Redditch

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Eaton Corporation, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Lead in Redditch

Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF)
Lean Manufacturing Techniques
Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt Certification)
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Root Cause Analysis (A3, 8D)
Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA)
Gemba Walks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Eaton Corporation specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Eaton Corporation

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Eaton Corporation, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Eaton Corporation value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.