Continuous Improvement Engineer

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday per year

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to support multiple manufacturing sites. This role focuses on enhancing productivity and driving waste reduction through Lean manufacturing principles.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities, experience in a manufacturing setting, and excellent communication skills. The position is office-based with local travel required to different sites.

We offer a family-owned company culture that values innovation and professional development, situated in a region that offers a high quality of life.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement or Manufacturing Engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies.
• Experience in high-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects across sites.
• Identify inefficiencies using data and analysis techniques.
• Implement Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver process improvements.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Production process understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical mindset

Microsoft Excel

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Lean / Six Sigma certification

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineer - Supporting All Sites

Position: Continuous Improvement Engineer - Supporting All Sites

Role type: Permanent.

Summary

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

More Details

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 customer 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.

How to apply

Send your CV and a one‑page covering note what attracts you to this role, why you are applying, and what relevant experience you would bring to [e-mail]

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a site visit and a multi‑stage competency‑based interview. We will be in touch with all applicants and thank you in advance for taking the time to apply.