At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive change and deliver improvements in manufacturing performance across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on Lean Manufacturing and sustainable improvements.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a supportive and innovative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing change and developing people in a manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in Continuous Improvement or related fields with strong analytical skills.
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Working Pattern: Monday–Thursday 08:00–17:00 | Friday 08:00–13:30
Drive Change. Deliver Improvement. Make a Difference.
Are you passionate about Lean Manufacturing, problem solving and driving sustainable improvements? Do you enjoy working with teams to identify opportunities, implement change and deliver measurable results?
We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to support the delivery of operational improvements across multiple manufacturing sites. This hybrid role will provide flexibility while requiring regular access to sites across Kent, working closely with operational teams to embed Lean, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and continuous improvement methodologies.
Working alongside the Operational Excellence Manager, you will play a key role in improving safety, quality, productivity, cost and customer service performance through coaching, data analysis, structured problem solving and the delivery of improvement initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Continuous Improvement professional who enjoys influencing change, developing people and creating long-term improvements within a manufacturing environment.
The Role
- Support the delivery of Continuous Improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and customer service.
- Embed Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Analyse operational performance data, identify improvement opportunities and support teams in implementing sustainable solutions.
- Work with operational teams to develop and deliver Continuous Improvement plans aligned with business objectives.
- Conduct Operational Excellence assessments and identify opportunities using a data-driven approach.
- Coach and support colleagues in structured problem solving, root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
- Deliver Lean and TPM training, coaching and mentoring to colleagues at all levels.
- Facilitate Kaizen activities and encourage the sharing of best practice across sites.
- Support the development of Continuous Improvement tools, standards and training materials.
- Produce reports and updates on improvement activities and performance.
- Support productivity planning using Zero Based Loss methodology.
- Maintain effective operational review processes, including Tier meetings and shift handovers.
- Provide Continuous Improvement support across manufacturing locations as required.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- 3–5 years’ experience in a Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
- Experience working with TPM methodologies, ideally across areas such as Focused Improvement, Autonomous Maintenance, Training & Education, Quality Maintenance or Supply Chain Optimisation.
- A proven track record of delivering successful Continuous Improvement and Kaizen initiatives.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach.
- Experience coaching and influencing teams at all levels.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with Power BI experience desirable.
Desirable Experience
- Engineering or Manufacturing degree.
- Six Sigma Green Belt (or above), or willingness to work towards.
- Project Management experience.
- Experience within brassware or ceramics manufacturing.
- Knowledge of ERP systems.
- IOSH qualification, or willingness to achieve this.
What You'll Bring
You’ll be someone who:
- Is passionate about continuous improvement and finding better ways of working.
- Uses data and insight to identify opportunities and deliver meaningful change.
- Builds strong relationships and can influence teams without direct authority.
- Enjoys coaching and developing others.
- Takes ownership and delivers results.
- Is curious, adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in improving manufacturing performance across a growing operational environment. With a hybrid working approach and responsibility across sites in Kent, you’ll have the opportunity to combine hands-on site engagement with focused improvement activity.
Drop me your application on or call (phone number removed)
Continuous Improvement Engineer employer: The Sterling Choice
The Sterling Choice offers a dynamic work environment where innovation meets stability, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in food manufacturing. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members benefit from ongoing training and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Located in Andover, the company provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital industry while enjoying the perks of a permanent night shift schedule that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Engineer
✨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 The Sterling Choice, 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
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 The Sterling Choice 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 The Sterling Choice
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The Sterling Choice, 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 The Sterling Choice 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.
