Continuous Improvement Lead

UK Research and Innovation; Swindon; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental research agency in Swindon is seeking a highly experienced CI Lead to enhance continuous improvement efforts. The role involves implementing governance structures, coordinating training, and fostering a CI culture within the organization. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in process improvement techniques and project management. Salary is £56,745 with additional pension contributions.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading CI projects required.
• Black belt level in process improvement preferred.
• Proven experience in change management.

Responsibilities

• Implement governance structures for CI initiatives.
• Organise and coordinate CI training and development.
• Foster ownership of CI initiatives across UKRI.

Skills

Leadership and team mentoring

Analytical and critical thinking

Organisational and planning skills

Communication skills

Project management experience

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Business Analysis tools

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a highly qualified and experienced CI professional to join our UKRI Continuous Improvement (CI) function within the Project Delivery and Improvement (PDI) Team. The CI function is dedicated to delivering value for money for taxpayers while maximizing the impact of UKRI's mission to deliver 'Knowledge with Impact.' By making the most of the resources available, the team ensures that every effort contributes to meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

As a CI Lead you will be part of the CI Team reporting to the Head of Continuous Improvement. You will assist PDI in identifying and engaging key colleagues within UKRI to foster ownership of CI initiatives. Your responsibilities will include implementing governance structures and frameworks, embedding a CI culture, organising and coordinating CI training & development, maintaining CI tools & techniques, and facilitating CI initiatives across UKRI.

Technical Expertise

• Significant experience leading and delivering CI projects and deep understanding of process improvement techniques (Systems Thinking, Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Competency System). Black belt level preferred.
• Project Management & Organisational Change capable of managing multiple projects, with proven experience in Business Analysis and change management.

Leadership & Skills

• Organisational & Planning Skills – responsible for planning and implementation stages, meeting deadlines.
• Relationship Building & Coaching – strong relationship builder, mentor, inspiring teams.
• Training & Development – experienced in developing CI training programmes and materials, delivering training at all levels.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking – objective analysis, data‑driven evidence to identify solutions.
• Communication – influence colleagues, facilitate meetings, give presentations, produce reports.

CI Tools & Techniques

• Maintain a central repository and develop a suite of materials and information to share best practice, guidance, tools and techniques.

Salary & Benefits

Alongside a salary of £56,745, UK Research and Innovation contributes £16,439 towards your Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Selection Process

1st interview incl presentation. Interviews will take place remotely via Teams or in person, face to face. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements before appointment. The level of security needed is security check.