At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency and implement process improvements.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking company transforming retail operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving sustainable change in a critical distribution centre.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, project management experience, and Six Sigma certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
M&S is going through an exciting period of transformation and change! We’ve invested millions in our East Midlands Distribution Centre in Castle Donington—a 900,000 sq. ft. site split into three chambers with a mix of automated and manual operations, delivering around two million single items a week during peak. Our Distribution Centre is critical to supporting both our online and retail operations. But it’s still our people that make the real difference—and that’s where you come in.
Ready to Drive Change? Join Us as a Continuous Improvement Specialist! We’re now looking for a proactive Continuous Improvement (C.I.) Specialist to join our Distribution Centre Operations team. This role will be responsible for leading initiatives to identify, analyse, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, boost overall performance and protect our costs. This will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams on site, applying Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to drive sustainable change and foster a culture of continuous improvement. If you’re passionate about problem-solving and delivering operational excellence, apply today and help us shape the future of our operations!
NB: To apply for this position as part of the application process you will be required to upload an up-to-date copy of your CV. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an onsite assessment. The hours for this role are Monday to Friday however you will need to be flexible and adapt your shift (including weekends) dependant on the needs of the site and the project you are working on.
What you’ll do
- Lead and support improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI tools
- Analyse operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
- Coach and mentor managers and colleagues in the use of CI tools
- Facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and process mapping workshops
- Actively promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization
Who you are
- Able to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to driving change
- Experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration; Industrial Engineering background is a plus.
- Holds a Six Sigma greenbelt (or higher) or equivalent experience deploying LEAN tools and techniques
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities independently or as part of a team.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, or Minitab
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
Everyone’s welcome
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re reinventing, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re redefining how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Continuous Improvement Specialist - On site employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, particularly for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced environment of our East Midlands Distribution Centre. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer tailored training, competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount and wellbeing support, and a culture that champions inclusivity and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a transformative journey where your contributions will help shape the future of retail operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Specialist - On site
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research M&S's recent projects and initiatives, especially around their Distribution Centre. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in driving change with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having someone on the inside can give you valuable insights and might even lead to a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the onsite assessment by practising common scenarios related to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Think about how you would approach real-life problems and be ready to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team and ready to contribute to their exciting transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Specialist - On site
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Continuous Improvement Specialist role. Highlight your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and any relevant project management skills. We want to see how you can drive change!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and improved processes in previous roles. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Know Your CI Tools
Make sure you brush up on Lean, Six Sigma, and any other continuous improvement methodologies before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these tools in past roles and how they can benefit the Distribution Centre.
✨Data Analysis is Key
Since the role involves analysing operational data, be prepared to showcase your skills with tools like Excel, Power BI, or Minitab. Bring examples of how you've used data to identify trends and drive improvements in previous projects.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've tackled challenges head-on. Highlight your analytical approach and how you’ve successfully implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in efficiency or performance.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires working with cross-functional teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in project management and collaboration. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to coach and mentor others in using CI tools effectively.
