Continuous Improvement Engineer

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd; Corwen; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday per year

Job summary

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive productivity improvements across multiple North Wales sites. The role is office-based with site travel and a strong emphasis on data-led lean projects.

You will lead cross-functional teams, run Kaizen events, map value streams, and report savings to Senior Management. A background in Lean/Six Sigma in manufacturing is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in CI, Process or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Lean/Six Sigma methodologies knowledge.
• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Willingness to travel between North Wales sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and operational areas
• Identify inefficiencies using data analysis, observation, and root cause analysis techniques
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and review sessions
• Drive waste reduction initiatives across time, materials, process, and defects
• Monitor KPIs and support performance improvement strategies
• Conduct time studies and process mapping activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver sustainable process improvements
• Standardise best practices across multiple sites
• Support Quality and Operations teams in resolving recurring issues
• Report progress, savings, and performance improvements to Senior Management

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Excel

Stakeholder engagement

Shop floor experience

Education

Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt+)

Tools

Value stream mapping

Process optimisation tools

Job description

Position: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Salary: Up to £42,000 dependant on experience.

Summary

• Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
• Office based with local travel between sites as required
• 33 days holiday per year

About the role

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will play a key role in identifying, analysing, and delivering process improvements across multiple manufacturing sites.

Working closely with Site Leaders, Production Teams, Quality, Engineering, and Planning functions, you will lead structured improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and strengthen overall operational performance.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong analytical capability, practical implementation skills, and the ability to influence and engage teams across the business.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and operational areas
• Identify inefficiencies using data analysis, observation, and root cause analysis techniques
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and review sessions
• Drive waste reduction initiatives across time, materials, process, and defects
• Monitor KPIs and support performance improvement strategies
• Conduct time studies and process mapping activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver sustainable process improvements
• Standardise best practices across multiple sites
• Support Quality and Operations teams in resolving recurring issues
• Report progress, savings, and performance improvements to Senior Management

What we are looking for

• Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering role
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar improvement methodologies
• Experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Practical understanding of production processes and manufacturing technologies
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to challenge existing processes constructively and professionally
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Willingness and flexibility to travel between North Wales sites

The behaviours that matter most

Ownership & Accountability

• Takes personal responsibility for identifying improvement opportunities and delivering measurable results.
• Follows through on actions, ensuring improvements are embedded and sustained.
• Acts decisively when performance, quality, or efficiency issues arise.
• Champions high standards in process design, execution, and control.
• Focuses on eliminating root causes rather than treating symptoms.
• Ensures improvements support product quality, safety, and client expectations.

Practical & Hands-On Approach

• Works comfortably on the shop floor, engaging directly with processes and people.
• Translates Lean and CI tools into simple, workable solutions that fit a manufacturing environment.
• Balances structured methodology with pragmatism and operational reality.
• Builds strong working relationships with site leadership, production teams, and support functions.
• Involves operators and stakeholders in improvement activity to drive ownership and engagement.
• Communicates clearly, openly, and professionally at all levels of the business.
• Demonstrates curiosity and a desire to find better, more efficient ways of working.
• Challenges existing processes constructively while respecting experience and knowledge.
• Uses data, KPIs, and evidence to drive decisions and measure success.

Pace, Resilience & Adaptability

• Adapts approach to suit different teams, sites, and operational priorities.
• Responds positively to change and overcomes resistance with persistence and professionalism.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
• Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above)
• Experience with value stream mapping and advanced process optimisation tools

Why IWT

Ifor Williams Trailers is a family-owned business with a strong heritage, long-term stability, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Founded in 1958 and operating across five advanced manufacturing sites in North Wales, we offer the scale, complexity, and operational depth to genuinely challenge and develop improvement professionals.

This role provides the opportunity to work across diverse manufacturing operations, including assembly, fabrication, finishing, and process-led environments, giving real breadth and impact. As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will have the visibility, authority, and support to drive meaningful change and embed best practice across multiple sites.

We invest in our people, offering genuine opportunities for professional development, exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a measurable difference in a business that values quality, practicality, and long-term improvement. North Wales also offers an outstanding quality of life, with the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep and Liverpool and Manchester just over an hour away.