Continuous Improvement Engineer, Sheffield, UK.
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for identifying, implementing and sustaining process improvements that enhance production efficiency, quality, safety and cost‐effectiveness. This role will lead structured improvement initiatives, engage with operational teams, and drive a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and facilitate improvement projects using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S and root‐cause problem solving to improve throughput, reduce waste and optimise production flows.
* Analyse current process performance (cycle times, scrap/defect rates, downtime, yield, labour utilisation) and identify improvement opportunities.
* Develop business cases for improvement initiatives, including quantifying expected benefits (cost savings, quality improvements, lead time reductions) and obtaining stakeholder buy‐in.
* Work with cross‐functional teams (Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain) to implement solutions, monitor progress, and ensure sustainable results.
* Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for continuous improvement activities; provide regular reporting to senior management.
* Standardise best practice processes across shifts and sites; lead roll‐out of improvements and ensure governance of process changes.
* Provide training and coaching to team members on continuous improvement methods and tools.
* Support change management activities: communicating changes, building stakeholder support, ensuring smooth transition and compliance.
* Participate in or lead waste elimination, workflow‐layout design, bottleneck removal, value stream mapping and cellular manufacturing initiatives.
* Ensure that any improvement initiatives maintain or improve health & safety standards, quality compliance and regulatory requirements.
Requirements / Skills & Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical), or equivalent experience.
* Proven experience (typically 3+ years) in a continuous improvement, process engineering or operational excellence role within a manufacturing environment.
* Strong proficiency in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies - ideally with certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or equivalent training.
* Excellent analytical skills, able to interpret data, understand process metrics, identify root‐causes and propose effective actions.
* Effective project management skills: able to lead improvement initiatives, manage time, budget, scope and deliver tangible results.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills: able to engage with all levels of the organisation, present findings, influence and drive change.
* Hands‐on mindset: comfortable working on the factory floor, understanding production operations and collaborating with front‐line teams.
* Ability to standardise and document processes, create training materials and ensure sustainability of improvements.
* Comfortable with change and able to drive a cultural shift toward continuous improvement.
* Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel for data analysis) and familiarity with manufacturing systems (ERP/MES) is advantageous.
Personal Attributes
* Proactive and self‐motivated with a results‐driven mindset.
* Curious and analytical with a strong problem‐solving orientation.
* Collaborative team player who can work cross‐functionally and build relationships.
* Adaptable and resilient to change.
* Strong attention to detail, with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
What We Offer
* Opportunity to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment with scope to lead meaningful change.
* A supportive culture that values growth, development and internal progression.
* Exposure to multiple sites/functions and potential leadership development.