Continuous Improvement Lead, Glenrothes, Scotland / UK wide
Competitive salary
Discretionary bonus scheme
Flexible working patterns
30 days' holiday with additional days linked to service
Donaldson Group, established in 1860, is one of UK’s largest, privately owned timber companies. We are a family of 16 businesses, ranging from B2B, retail, ecommerce, all with shared values and a common vision, driven by the desire to always do good. We are focused on always providing a number one customer experience, embracing innovation, and doing things in a sustainable way, not just for our business but also for the communities we operate in. But most of all, our People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we are committed to nurturing and empowering our 1,500+ colleagues across the UK.
We are ambitious about diversity and inclusion. If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We specifically encourage female candidates and those from minoritised ethnic groups to apply for this post as they are currently underrepresented in the manufacturing and construction sectors of our organisation.
As a 6th generation family-owned business, Donaldson Group is committed to providing colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to 30 days' holiday, inclusive of Statutory Bank Holidays, Length of service awards, Company sick pay, Employee Assistance Programme, (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line).
The role
We are currently seeking to recruit a highly self-motivated, dynamic and successful Continuous Improvement professional to support the ongoing development of our CI programme. The programme has been in place for over 2 years, building the foundations with a culture of operational efficiency and effectiveness. This role will take the lead in taking CI within the Group to the next level, providing depth and focus to unlock CI benefits and enhance productivity.
The Continuous Improvement Lead will drive operational excellence within a design-led manufacturing and construction environment, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles to optimize production, reduce waste, and enhance product and on-site efficiencies. The role requires Master Black Belt (MBB) certification, demonstrating expertise in leading transformational initiatives, leading and mentoring teams, and helping embed a culture of continuous improvement.
As part of a team and guided by our CI vision, you will work closely with our leadership team, as well as our cross-functional teams, in order to identify, develop and introduce cost-effective CI solutions as well as performance improvement opportunities for all aspects of the business.
Key elements of this full-time role will involve:
• Promote the Donaldson Group Lean vision to drive and influence a mindset of CI throughout the business.
• Lead and implement Lean Six Sigma strategies, applying Master Black Belt expertise to achieve measurable improvements in manufacturing and site operations.
• Utilise Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles to optimise product development, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
• Drive process optimisation and waste reduction initiatives, achieving and exceeding operational efficiency targets through to on-site completion.
• Conduct root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making, resolving complex production challenges.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement roadmaps, aligning with business objectives and design requirements.
• Facilitate training programs for Green Belts and Black Belts, fostering a culture of Operational Excellence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, design, production and site teams, ensuring seamless integration of efficiency principles.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, cost savings, and process effectiveness, driving strategic improvements.
• Manage stakeholder engagement, influencing executive leadership to adopt innovative solutions.
• Build on and maintain the lean management system to give great communication through daily tier meetings, creates empowerment and a team of problem solvers.
• Develop and maintain the reporting KPIs and dashboards within the Lean Management System and offer guidance and support on gap closure.
• Develop the culture of waste identification and elimination throughout all areas of the business.
• Adopt a participative style to offer guidance and provide leadership in the strategy and execution of CI.
• Engage with various functions to assess and deploy the appropriate CI tools & techniques to establish robust processes.
• Introduce CI best practice within our various service sectors and share throughout the organisation.
• Promote, teach, and coach the use of problem-solving tools throughout the organisation and demonstrate the effectiveness of CI through the practical use of problem solving.
• Apply value stream mapping practice across our supply chain to remove inefficiencies and flow value to our customers.
• Provide training and ongoing coaching in CI methodologies.
• Monitor and report on sites CI progression and provide updates on skill development, understanding and application.
• Develop and co-own the CI roadmap to improve flow of materials and transactions (targeting lead time reduction to drive capacity creation).
• Manage and deploy the site lean audit process and foster healthy cross site completion.
• Provide cross-collaboration team support to develop all areas of the business.
Our perfect candidate
The successful candidate would ideally have the following:
Essential:
· Degree-level education
· Master Black Belt (MBB) certification in Lean Six Sigma.
· Proven experience in design-led manufacturing and application of Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles.
· Strong track record in change management, process efficiency, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
· Expertise in data analysis, statistical process control, and root cause problem-solving.
· Ability to lead and mentor teams, facilitating Lean Six Sigma training programs.
· Proficiency in ERP, MES systems, Microsoft packages and manufacturing optimisation tools.
Desirable:
· Degree-level education preferably in a STEM subject
· Industry experience in automotive, aerospace, electronics, or relevant sectors.
· Experience with Agile methodologies in manufacturing.
· Knowledge of CAD software and design collaboration tools.
· Membership in relevant professional organizations related to Lean Six Sigma
• Experience of CI/Lean methodologies within both manufacturing and service sectors – leading Kaizen and deploying Lean tools and principles.
• Introduced or have been exposed to a Lean Management System.
• Proven experience in managing, motivating, and influencing team behaviours.
• 3 – 5 years of operations/service experience with demonstrated process improvements.
• Experience of training others in Lean / CI practice and leading successful cross-functional improvements.
• Proven experience of successful 5S deployment in an organisation.
• Working experience with functional leaders to establish and execute a CI roadmap to deliver baseline results.
• Track record of having managed and facilitated change.
• Be a great communicator and coach of others.
Key Competencies:
· Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess and implement process improvements aligning with business goals. Leadership and influence: Capable of driving cultural change and influencing stakeholders across levels. Problem solving and innovation: Strong analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and propose effective solutions.
· Communication and collaboration: Skilled in presenting findings, engaging with cross-functional teams, influencing executive leadership and driving consensus.
As this role covers all our UK sites then applicants must be prepared to travel and hold a full UK driving licence.
If this sounds like the perfect job for you then do not hesitate to apply by sending your full C.V. to: Recruitment@donaldson-timber.co.uk.