At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive efficiency improvements and support strategic initiatives in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Tata Steel UK, a leading steel producer with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, private healthcare, and extensive lifestyle benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing business and make a real impact on operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and a degree in Engineering or related field.
- Other info: Great opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to develop their skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 Β£ per year.
Department: Catnic
Location: Caerphilly (CF83)
Salary: Β£34,000 plus Benefits
Closing Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 9th March 2026
We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.
Shape the future of operational excellence in a growing, market-leading business. Catnic is a thriving part of Tata Steel UK and a recognised market leader in steel lintel production. As the housing sector accelerates in line with government growth plans, we are gearing up for significant business expansion β and this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of that journey from the inside.
We are now looking for an Operational Improvement Analyst to join our Caerphilly site. It is an ideal role for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to develop in a commercial manufacturing environment, gaining exposure to all aspects of a dynamic, forward-thinking operation.
What you will do:
- You will help to drive efficiency and improvements throughout the Production and Materials areas.
- You will identify and drive through efficiency improvements to support future business growth.
- You will work closely with the Operational Improvement Manager to support key strategic initiatives, helping to embed continuous improvement practices across the business.
- This includes:
- Analysing operational data and presenting insights through clear charts and reports
- Supporting the development of standard operating procedures and process improvements
- Contributing to ISO energy and ISO 9001 (quality) standards maintenance
- Monitoring performance across Capex and revenue projects
- Investigating process waste and supporting quality improvements throughout production
- Liaising with stakeholders across engineering, production, and technical functions
What you will need:
- Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset
- Proficiency in Excel (essential), with bonus points for experience in VBA, AutoCAD, or other Microsoft applications
- A collaborative approach to teamworking and stakeholder engagement
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or a related discipline β or equivalent experience
This role would suit an ambitious graduate ready to build a broad understanding of how a successful manufacturing business operates or a progressive Production Manager / Supervisor with the ability and confidence to drive through improvements. You will be supported to grow, develop and make a measurable impact as Catnic continues its journey of operational excellence.
What we can offer you:
- A market competitive salary
- 35 days holidays per annum
- Annual Pay Review
- Bonus Scheme β subject to business performance
- Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry
- Private Healthcare Scheme (Individual cover)
- One of the UKβs leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)
- Extensive lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.
Why us?
Tata Steel is one of the worldβs top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We are part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.
Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.
Tata Steel in the UK is committed to our ambition of reducing energy consumption and to becoming a carbon neutral steelmaker by 2045.
Operational Improvement Specialist in Caerphilly employer: Tata Steel
Contact Detail:
Tata Steel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operational Improvement Specialist in Caerphilly
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Catnic and Tata Steel, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their operational excellence. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just another applicant.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills in data analysis and process improvement can directly benefit Catnic. Have examples ready that showcase your analytical mindset and collaborative approach.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining the team at Catnic.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Improvement Specialist in Caerphilly
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Improvement Specialist role. Highlight relevant skills like analytical abilities and any experience with Excel or process improvements. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about operational excellence and how your background aligns with our goals at Catnic. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past experiences. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team at Catnic!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel
β¨Know Your Numbers
As an Operational Improvement Specialist, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in the past. Prepare some examples that showcase your proficiency in Excel and any other relevant tools.
β¨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Catnic and its role within Tata Steel. Research their products, recent news, and their commitment to sustainability. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges in operational improvement and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
β¨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams, especially in cross-functional settings. Highlight how youβve engaged with stakeholders in the past and contributed to successful projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.