The Improvement Practitioner is dedicated to delivering continuous improvement programmes, projects and activities with measurable benefits through the application of CI methodologies, including Lean and related tools. They will help to drive and embed a culture of continuous improvement (CI) across the University, working collaboratively with departments and professional services to enhance processes, policies, and procedures. By using proven continuous improvement methodologies, the Improvement Practitioner will play a key role in embedding a culture of CI across the University. In addition to CI programmes and projects, the role holder may be involved supporting large-scale improvement activity including across the University, assisting Delivery Managers by contributing to work packages and/or directly project managing smaller pieces of work.
As an Improvement practitioner you can expect to be involved in :
* Lead and facilitate cross-functional CI projects, ensuring stakeholder engagement and delivering sustainable improvements.
* Facilitate improvement workshops (value stream mapping, RIWs, problem solving, etc) to identify opportunities to deliver benefits through continuous improvement initiatives.
* Conduct process reviews, diagnose issues, identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes using structured CI methodologies.
* Manage central administration for the digital tools used to track continual improvement and project activity across the University. Act as the University lead for implementing the use of these digital tools during the initiation of new projects, programmes, and continual improvement initiatives. Support colleagues in the use and maintenance of these tools, with professional advice, guidance and demonstration as needed – influencing changes in operational practice
What will you bring to the role ?
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
* Recognised process/continuous improvement qualification (e.g. LCS levels 1A,B,C) or part qualified or significant continuous improvement experience in a similar role and willingness to undertake certification
* Experience in the successful oversight and hands‑on delivery of projects from initiation to completion
* Proven experience applying CI methodologies in complex organisations
* Experience of key project delivery activities such as risk management, stakeholder management, planning, etc
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
* Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
* 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part‑time staff)
* Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
* Corporate employee‑funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent
We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/
Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number PII-002-25-R
*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)
PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application
Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
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