Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job description

About the role As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will be a hands-on change agent focused on driving operational performance across our manufacturing site. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma foundations (5S, TPM, Visual Management, DMAIC), you will spend time on the shop floor identifying waste, eliminating process variation, and directly impacting key performance metrics (safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost).

You will leverage data, analytical tools, AI and emerging digital solutions to diagnose root causes and coach site teams to build sustainable, self-service problem-solving habits. You will combine analytical experience with practical problem-solving to build intuitive dashboards, facilitate Kaizen events, and champion the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process. You will serve as an educator—teaching teams from White Belt fundamentals to A3 execution—to embed a lasting culture of site-wide autonomy and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Work Location/Status: On-site role based at our Cramlington facility.

Hands-On Waste & Variation Reduction

Actively engage on the shop floor to map processes, uncover bottlenecks, and eliminate non-value-added activities using Lean / Six Sigma tools to directly improve key operational metrics.

DMAIC Project Execution & Facilitation

Independently lead and execute productivity improvement projects utilizing the DMAIC framework, and facilitate root-cause problem-solving sessions, A3s, and Kaizen events to drive plant KPIs.

MDI & ELS Deployment

Support facilitation of the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process across the site, supporting cross-functional teams with Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS) skillsets and disciplines to drive accountability and prioritization.

Education & White Belt Training

Serve as a site educator by facilitating Lean Six Sigma White Belt training sessions, building foundational capabilities, and embedding a self-service mindset across all shifts and functions.

Data Visualisation, Analytics & AI Integration

Analyze performance data using BI tools to build/maintain intuitive dashboards, and explore and adopt Gemini AI and digital tools to streamline Lean workflows and reduce administrative waste.

Qualifications

Required

Professional Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience in Lean Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Education & Certifications

Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) with a solid foundation in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies; Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.

Skills you need to succeed

Practical Problem-Solving: Excellent root-cause analysis skills with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to identifying waste, eliminating variation, and solving operational challenges alongside shop-floor teams.

Data & Analytics Capability

Experience in data analytics with modern BI tools (e.g., Oracle Analytics, IBM Cognos, Power BI, Tableau) and the ability to build and maintain intuitive dashboards.

Digital Mindset & Leadership

Curiosity and enthusiasm for using Gemini AI (or similar Generative AI platforms) to streamline problem-solving, alongside strong coaching and communication skills to mentor teams and foster cultural accountability.