At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive meaningful improvements in manufacturing and engineering operations through hands-on projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on problem-solving and team engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and enhancing quality across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in Engineering or Operations Management and experience in improvement projects.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making things work better? We're looking for a Continuous Improvement Lead to help drive meaningful improvements across our manufacturing and engineering operations. This is a hands-on role where you'll work with teams across the business to identify opportunities, improve processes, reduce waste, enhance quality and support a culture of operational excellence.
About the role
You’ll analyse existing manufacturing processes, lead improvement initiatives and use Lean, Six Sigma and problem-solving techniques to deliver sustainable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, delivery and overall business performance.
What you’ll be doing
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for process improvements across manufacturing, engineering, and business operations.
- Lead continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing techniques, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management.
- Support root cause analysis such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Analyse operational data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
- Support the deployment of continuous improvement culture throughout the organisation.
- Facilitate workshops, improvement events, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise workflows and remove process bottlenecks.
- Document new processes, procedures, and best practices.
- Monitor project performance and ensure benefits are measured and sustained.
- Support business transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
- Provide coaching and training on Lean and continuous improvement principles.
- Provide reporting on cost, waste, process cycle time reductions, as well as improvements in quality and on-time delivery metrics.
- Report on improvement projects completion rates and return on investment from improvement initiatives.
What we’re looking for
- Relevant Engineering / Manufacturing / Operations Management qualification and/or equivalent experience.
- Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or operational environment.
- Experience leading improvement projects.
- Ability to analyse complex data and present findings effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Ability to develop successful working relationships, work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- A good team player with a flexible attitude to workload.
Desirable experience
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience with ERP and business intelligence systems.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies.
- Experience with process mapping and statistical analysis tools.
- Change management experience.
Why join us?
You’ll have the opportunity to make a visible impact by improving the way we work, supporting teams across the organisation and helping shape a culture of continuous improvement. We also offer a 4-day working week, helping you balance meaningful work with more time outside of work. If you enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and turning ideas into practical results, we’d love to hear from you.
Continuous Improvement Lead in Fortuneswell employer: Tods Defence Limited
At Tods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Portland, Dorset. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to work-life balance through our 4-day working week, we provide numerous benefits including generous holiday allowances, a company pension scheme, and access to private healthcare. Join us to be part of a fast-growing business where your skills will be nurtured, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Lead in Fortuneswell
✨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 Tods Defence Limited, 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 Lead in Fortuneswell
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 Tods Defence Limited 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 Tods Defence Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Tods Defence Limited, 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 Tods Defence Limited 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.
