Continuous Improvement & Innovation Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Continuous Improvement & Innovation Specialist to join our UK-based team.

This role blends business analysis, project management, and process optimisation to drive meaningful change and foster innovation across the organisation, with opportunities to support our global sites.

If you are a strategic thinker, a results-driven leader, and a passionate advocate for continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Hybrid working model, with regional travel to the customer sites (Cambridge, Macclesfield), Monitor and analyze program trends, processes and technology to identify innovation opportunities to improve the program
• Facilitate ideation sessions thorough reviews of existing business processes. Identify areas for improvement, inefficiencies, and opportunities for innovation.
• Lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement across all aspects of the organization.

Develop and implement strategies to streamline processes, optimize operations, and enhance overall efficiency.

• Champion a culture of innovation within the organization. Proactively seek out new ideas, technologies, and best practices to drive innovation and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Plan, execute, and oversee business improvement projects from inception to completion.

Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

Develop detailed project plans and timelines.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project implementation.

• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Build strong relationships and effectively communicate project objectives, progress, and outcomes.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive business improvements.

Liaising with business insights teams to identify trends, and make recommendations for action.

• Manage the change process associated with business improvement initiatives.

Anticipate and address potential challenges and resistance to change.

Develop and implement effective change management strategies.

• Ensure that all business improvement initiatives meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Implement quality control measures and conduct thorough reviews to validate project outcomes.

• Lead and inspire cross-functional project teams.

Provide guidance, support, and coaching to team members.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages learning and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e. g., business administration, process engineering, project management).
• Proven experience in business improvement, process optimization, and project management within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector.
• Strong analytical abilities with the ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a plus.
• Passion for innovation and driving positive change within organizations. Ability to think creatively and implement innovative solutions to business challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.

Experience facilitating meetings and workshops.

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Experience leading cross-functional project teams and driving results in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of change management principles and methodologies. Experience managing the change process associated with business improvement initiatives.
• High level of attention to detail with a focus on quality and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience are key attributes for success in this role.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office suite of applications, especially Microsoft Excel, as well as Power Point, Word and MS Project is required.
• Demonstrated ability to design and build low-code or no-code solutions using Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate to automate processes and improve operational workflows.

Experience leveraging approved and accessible AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot or equivalent enterprise-sanctioned platforms) to enhance productivity, generate data-driven insights, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Ability to operate responsibly within IT governance frameworks and data compliance requirements.

• Other Database and application skills, especially SAP, SQL, and any business process mapping applications are desired, but not required. Maximo experience preferred
• Working Environment
• Hybrid working model, UK based
• Day to day regional travel to the customer sites when requried
• Domestic and international travel as required, likely 10% - 25%
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