Assembly Op Ex Intern

The Estée Lauder Companies; Sheet; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer on a 12‑month FTC at Whitman Laboratories in the UK. You will embed Lean principles, optimise processes and influence strategic decisions across manufacturing operations.

You will drive SDCA adherence, manage projects to improve KPIs and coach teams to achieve excellent OEE and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must be currently studying towards an Undergraduate Engineering degree or related subject with 2:1 or higher.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Good organisational and communication skills; able to work in a team and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Drive Operational Excellence and Lean standards across Assembly and Production.
• Lead routine SDCA adherence and develop plans to meet priorities (PDCA).
• Manage projects to improve KPIs, reduce process variation and improve OEE.
• Support investment projects using Lean principles and coach operators.
• Prepare concise visuals to support strategic operational decisions.
• Coordinate cross-functional RFT activities to support new product launches.
• Promote continuous improvement across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People.
• Lead workshops and coaching sessions to boost engagement in OE initiatives.
• Share best practices across the ELC group to position the site as a model plant.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Undergraduate Engineering degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Join Estée Lauder Companies at Whitman Laboratories, where one-fifth of the company’s global sales output is manufactured. As a global leader in prestige beauty, we serve over half a billion consumers each year, offering world-renowned brands such as Estée Lauder, MAC, Jo Malone London and Clinique across more than 150 countries.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Operational Excellence Engineer (12-month FTC) who is passionate about driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency to join our dynamic production team. In this role you will play a pivotal role in embedding Lean principles, optimising processes, and influencing strategic decisions that shape the future of our manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Operational Excellence and Lean Standards in Assembly, ensuring standardised processes across Operations and embedding them within the Work Centre.
• Lead key routine with a focus on adherence to standards (SDCA) and build plans to meet priorities (PDCA).
• Manage projects to improve KPIs, reduce process variation, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Support investment projects using Lean Principles and coach employees to perform critical processes effectively.
• Prepare visual, concise, and conclusive presentations to support strategic operational decisions.
• Coordinate RFT activities across functions (NPP, QA, QE, Operations) to ensure world-class execution and integration of new product innovation and launches.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost + People.
• Lead workshops and coaching sessions to drive engagement and operational excellence.
• Attend networking activities within and outside the ELC international group, sharing best practices to position the plant as a model site.

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards an Undergraduate Engineering degree or related subject and be on track to achieving a 2:1 standard or higher. (A Chemical, industrial or mechanical engineering degree is preferred).
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Strong organisational and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and meet deadlines.