At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and champion a culture of safety and collaboration.
- Company: Join Knauf Insulation, a global leader in construction materials with a values-driven culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, enhanced sick pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and improvement in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for learning, strong communication skills, and experience in process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Applications open till 3rd July. Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation in the Innovation Team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. We are a global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment. Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group.
Can you say ‘yes’? Do you enjoy working collaboratively? Do you have a clear drive for improvement? Do you have strong communication skills?
What you’ll be doing…
- Always ensure safety first and have influence in all interactions to maintain a safety focus.
- Respect the Knauf values: Commitment, Entrepreneurship, Partnership and Menschlichkeit and apply them in your daily work.
- Champion a CI culture and support the teams with knowledge of CI tools, techniques and ways of working.
- Provide and share continuous improvement knowledge and technical skills, at all levels to identify opportunities and define projects to achieve clear goals.
- Provide the business with the skills to complete Kaizen Events, planning and facilitating events as necessary to support improvement initiatives.
- Provide clear technical guidance to the wider plant team supporting where necessary.
- Identify process optimisation/improvement opportunities and align to the annual business objectives.
- Support and facilitate business projects, to allow Process Leaders, Engineering Teams and Shift Leaders to become self-sufficient in terms of leading improvement initiatives.
- Ensure that the site has access to all sources of best practice, internal and external to the Knauf business, so that we gain and sustain a competitive advantage.
- Provide support to personnel in completing Six Sigma Training and provide assistance and understanding in the application of tools and techniques.
- Work with the plant Teams and the Process Excellence Manager in the Industrial Performance Team to ensure our CI process remains rigorous, aligned to the framework and capable of sustaining Continuous Improvement in the future.
- Implement a clear structured approach to problem solving, using the appropriate tool for the scenario (5 Why, 8D, DMAIC, etc).
- Lead and expand digital CI initiatives, support the development of teams (POKA, Digital communication boards, etc).
What we’d love for you to have:
- Clear drive for improvement, proactive and appetite to learn new skills.
- Strong KI Values.
- Ability to engage process personnel in process improvement – Workshops, Improvement Groups, etc.
- Experience of continuous process plant operation, 5S, operator asset care and problem solving.
- Communicative and collaborative style which is motivating and engaging to individuals and teams.
- Ability to challenge the status quo and not accept opinion as fact.
- An aspiration and drive to develop and learn new methods and techniques.
- Good communication and influencing skills.
We’ll provide:
- Enhanced Holiday Pay – 33 days including bank holidays plus the opportunity to purchase more.
- 16 weeks Company Sick Pay after 3 months of service.
- Group Income Protection.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption packages.
- Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary.
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.
- Staff Bonus Scheme.
- Career Progression Routes.
- Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured.
- Westfield Health Cash Plan.
- Perkbox.
- Access to Costco Membership.
- Wickes Employee Purchase Scheme.
- On site Gyms.
- Wellbeing Initiatives and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- On site Car Charging Points.
Knauf Insulation welcomes applications from everyone and is committed to treating everyone equally, regardless of: age, sex, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, religion/belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership or pregnancy/maternity. In particular, we encourage applications from people from a minority background or from demographics that are underrepresented in the manufacturing industry. We are a Disability Confident Leader (Level 1) and take care to ensure good EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) practices in all our operations. If you are invited to an interview, a member of our team will be in touch via email to enquire about any access requirements or reasonable adjustments that we can make for your interview.
Continuous Improvement Lead - 12 month fix term Cwmbran, South Wales employer: Knauf Insulation UK
Knauf Insulation is an exceptional employer that champions a values-led culture, offering a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in Cwmbran, South Wales, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises safety, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, alongside an impressive array of benefits including enhanced holiday pay, career progression routes, and wellbeing initiatives. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to making a positive impact in the construction materials industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Lead - 12 month fix term Cwmbran, South Wales
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Knauf Insulation UK looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Lead - 12 month fix term Cwmbran, South Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knauf Insulation UK
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Knauf Insulation UK.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Knauf Insulation UK’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
