At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive manufacturing excellence by improving processes and enhancing operational performance.
- Company: Join OBE, a leader in architectural glass and building products with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, work-life balance, and comprehensive training to boost your career.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects that shape how people live and work.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and experience in process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Come Join Us!
From apartments in New York to hospitals and stadiums in Dallas, libraries at prestigious universities to creating modern retail experiences, our teams contribute architectural glass and building products to projects that shape the way people live, work, heal, learn, and play. At OBE, the work of our employees truly matters. With over 6,500 employees, we operate more than 80 manufacturing and distribution facilities in five countries. You can see some of our favorite projects here.
Start your journey with OBE and help us build the future.
What You'll Get to Do
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a key member of the Operational Excellence team, focused on stabilizing and advancing manufacturing processes across the business. This role partners cross-functionally to design, implement, and sustain operating systems that improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
Leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), you will lead the development of standardized processes, enhance supplier and customer value streams, and drive consistency across operations. You will play an active role in embedding Toyota Production System principles moving the organization from foundational understanding to effective, sustained application.
Reporting to the Manager of Operational Excellence, this position works alongside a team of operational experts to translate complex challenges into structured, scalable solutions that strengthen overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead value stream mapping, time studies, and Kaizen events to identify inefficienciesand drive measurable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Develop and implement standardized processes and documentation, including Standard Work, Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), PFMEA, Control Plans, and Job Element Sheets, ensuring consistency, scalability, and compliance.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, 5-Why, cause-and-effect analysis, logic trees) to diagnose root causes and implement sustainable countermeasures for complex operational challenges.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by ensuring process readiness, validation, and alignment with manufacturing capabilities, including development of quality systems and documentation.
- Design and execute testing and validation plans, including gauge studies, reliability and repeatability testing, and statistical analysis, ensuring process capability and product quality.
- Utilize data-driven performance management to monitor results, validate improvements, and sustain operational gains across manufacturing systems.
- Develop and manage training systems and documentation to build workforce capability, reinforce standardization, and ensure compliance across operations.
- Support capital investment initiatives, including preparation of AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) documentation to justify process improvements and operational enhancements.
- Conduct and publish operational audits, identify performance gaps, and lead follow-up actions to resolve inconsistencies and quality concerns.
- Integrate voice of the customer insights into improvement initiatives, aligning operational performance with customer expectations and value delivery.
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (e.g., Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field).
- Preferred certifications: Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
- Demonstrated success in process development and improvement, with a proven ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver measurable operational outcomes.
- Working experience within structured quality and operating systems (e.g., Toyota Production System, ISO, ASQ frameworks), with a solid understanding of performance-driven environments.
- Strong foundation in manufacturing processes, including the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production standards, with practical, hands-on understanding of how processes operate and scale.
- Applied knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and their role in ensuring product quality, consistency, and compliance.
What OBE Offers You
- Benefits that benefit you – industry competitive benefits at the lowest cost to the employee
- Work-life balance – PTO and holidays, including floating holidays you can choose
- Compensation that rewards your hard work – A pay-for-performance culture with potential for annual raises and bonuses
- Training – We will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed
OBE will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about their own or others' pay.
Continuous Improvement Engineer (York) employer: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
At OBE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Continuous Improvement Engineer in York, you'll benefit from industry-competitive compensation, a strong focus on work-life balance, and extensive training opportunities to enhance your skills. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth while shaping the future of architectural glass and building products.
Contact Details:
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Engineer (York)
✨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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, 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 Engineer (York)
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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope 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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, 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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope 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.
