Continuous Improvement Business Lead

SevernTrentLife; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in Coventry is looking for a Continuous Improvement Business Lead to inspire their CI team and shape the CI strategy across the organization. This role focuses on driving innovation, engaging with senior stakeholders, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CI methodologies and possess excellent communication skills. Competitive benefits include a car allowance, annual bonus, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

31 days holiday plus bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme

Car allowance up to £5,208

Leading pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Dedicated training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Family friendly policies

Two volunteer days per year

Qualifications

• Proven track record of strategic leadership and team development.
• Strong experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, etc.).
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing CI team.
• Shape and embed the CI strategy and brand across the organization.
• Partner with leaders to deliver measurable business benefits.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Continuous Improvement methodologies

Communication skills

Coaching

Adaptability

Job description

At Severn Trent, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide when it comes to employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment and our communities, while being valued and supported in a truly inclusive workplace.

If you want to do more, because you care, we want you on our team.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’re looking for an inspiring leader to shape the future of Continuous Improvement (CI) across our organisation as our new Continuous Improvement Business Lead. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a talented team, champion a culture of innovation, and make a real impact on how we work and deliver value.

As the Head of Continuous Improvement, you’ll provide strategic direction and hands‑on leadership to our central CI team, building on our strong foundations and driving the next phase of growth. You’ll be at the heart of embedding CI ways of working across the business, raising our profile as a true Centre of Excellence, and ensuring we deliver tangible benefits that enhance performance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing CI team, fostering collaboration, growth, and innovation.
• Shape and embed the CI strategy and brand across the organisation, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify opportunities, prioritise initiatives, and deliver measurable business benefits.
• Develop and mentor both your team and local CI communities, building capability through training and coaching.
• Champion best practice and introduce new tools and techniques to keep us at the cutting edge of CI.
• Solve complex challenges, delivering high‑value outcomes that make a real difference.
• Act as a key leader within Group Transformation, influencing strategy and driving change.

You’ll be based at our Severn Trent Centre in Coventry. With this being such a critical role, we’re looking for someone who can join us 37 hours a week.

HOW WE WORK

You’ll join a caring culture that collaborates to achieve, grow, and develop. Our employee engagement scores are among the highest globally in energy and utilities. That’s why, we value in‑person moments to keep our culture alive but also understand the flexibility working from home can bring. So, you'll usually find us in the office, but working from home is supported, when you need it.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• A proven track record of strategic leadership and team development.
• Strong experience in Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, etc.).
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, with excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• A passion for building capability, coaching others, and embedding sustainable change.
• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Skills and experience are important, but character, positivity, and a caring attitude matter too. We welcome and celebrate diverse individuals, knowing they help us better serve our communities. We seek people who get involved, want to be part of something bigger, and make a difference because they care.

HOW WE’LL REWARD AND CARE FOR YOU

It’snot just a jobyou’llgethere,you’llget a career too.

We have a range of benefits that reward and recognisegreat workand award-winning training to ensure you reach your potential. Andwe’llalso help you play your part in looking after the environment and the community in which we live.

Here’ssome of our favourites:

• 31 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 20% per annum based on company performance)
• Car allowance – per annum up to £5,208
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two volunteer days per year

LET’S GO

We can't wait to hear from you! Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We'll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.