Continuous Improvement Engineer (E-Commerce Fulfilment & Retail Delivery)

Dunelm; Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to enhance warehouse operations and e-commerce fulfilment. In this role, you'll lead projects that focus on optimising processes, reducing costs, and improving customer experiences. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you'll leverage data analysis and Lean methodologies to drive operational excellence. If you're passionate about problem-solving and innovation in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Familiarity with automation technologies and warehouse optimisation tools.

Responsibilities

• Optimising warehouse operations and order fulfilment processes.
• Implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering

Supply Chain Management

Logistics

Operations Management

Tools

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Job description

Overview

Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do. We’re the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and encouraging culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

We are the UK’s Number One homewares retailer offering c85,000 productsbuilding a consumer-focused total retail business that delights customers through our multichannel operation.

We are determined in our plans to increase further expansion of the business to more customers, shopping more frequently, with more choice, enhanced digital and physical services, and new capabilities to innovate and operate at pace in a fast-changing landscape. In developing the business for the long-term benefit of our customers, we are investing in our supply chain, stores and technology to improve the customer proposition as we progress.

Department Overview:

Our Continuous Improvement (CI) team is responsible for enhancing efficiency, quality, and innovation within the business by identifying and implementing process improvements.

Their key accountabilities include streamlining workflows, applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, analysing performance data, driving change management, and creating a culture of problem-solving and innovation.

They work closely with departments such as Operations, IT, People, Finance, and Customer Service to optimise processes, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and support business growth. Through collaboration and data-driven decision-making, the CI team ensures the organisation remains agile, competitive, and continuously evolving.

What you'll be doing

The Continuous Improvement Engineer (E-Commerce Fulfilment & Retail Delivery) is responsible for optimising warehouse operations, order fulfilment, and inventory distribution to retail stores. Leading on multiple projects, delivering training and initiatives across the business.

This role focuses on the continual improvement of efficiencies, reducing costs, and enhancing our customers experiences by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.

As an engineer you will collaborate with warehouse, logistics, and supply chain teams to streamline fulfilment processes, minimise waste and drive operational excellence, while leveraging strong leadership to influence change and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Role Requirements:

Fulfilment Centre & Warehouse Process Optimisation:

• Analyse and improve warehouse workflows, picking and packing processes, and storage layouts to increase efficiencies.
• Implement Lean methodologies to optimise space utilisation, reduce order processing times, and improve inventory accuracy.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in order fulfilment and last-mile delivery operations.
• Evaluate and enhance the use of automation, robotics, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to improve productivity.

Retail Inventory Distribution & Delivery Improvement:

• Optimise replenishment processes for retail store deliveries to ensure accurate, timely, and cost-effective inventory distribution.
• Collaborate with logistics, transportation teams to improve routing, reduce lead times, and enhance delivery efficiency.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for store replenishment and e-commerce order fulfilment.
• Utilise data analytics to forecast demand fluctuations and improve stock availability at stores.

Data Analysis & Performance Metrics:

• Track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, pick rate, fulfilment speed, on-time delivery, and inventory accuracy.
• Use data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, etc.) to generate reports and drive decision-making.
• Identify trends and areas for improvement through root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, etc.).
• Implement process controls to maintain and sustain operational improvements.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Colleague Training:

• Work closely with warehouse supervisors, inventory managers, transportation teams, store operations and the people team to drive continuous improvement.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Lean workshops, and process improvement initiatives to engage employees.
• Coach colleagues on best practices for efficiency, safety, and inventory management.
• Partner with IT to enhance system integrations and automation for e-commerce fulfilment and retail distribution.

Compliance, Safety & Sustainability:

• Ensure that all warehouse and fulfilment improvements align with safety regulations and company policies.
• Identify and address ergonomic risks in order fulfilment and material handling processes.
• Support sustainability initiatives by reducing packaging waste, optimising transportation routes, and improving energy efficiency in warehouses.

What we'll look for in you

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with automation technologies, robotics, and warehouse optimisation tools.
• Full Driving License

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Experience in warehouse operations, e-commerce fulfilment, retail distribution, or supply chain process improvement.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies (certification preferred).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau) and experience with WMS/TMS (Warehouse & Transportation Management Systems).