Continuous Improvement Leader

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive supplier readiness, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure delivery to the required standards. You will report to the Continuous Improvement Manager and lead initiatives across supplier networks with a focus on cost, quality and schedule improvements.

The role is based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington with hybrid working and regular supplier travel.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing manufacturing Continuous Improvement projects.
• Lean or Six Sigma qualification.
• Proven delivery of CI projects in a manufacturing setting.
• Background in regulated industries helpful.

Responsibilities

• Work with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes and assess readiness/maturity.
• Develop supplier continuous improvement capability.
• Create frameworks and readiness programmes for future production needs.
• Deliver supplier training and improvement plans.
• Build capability for cost, quality and schedule improvements.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Six Sigma

Supplier Management

Manufacturing

Job description

Pay Range

£50,600.00

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re tackling the energy challenge head on by building the next generation of clean energy. We're developing innovative small modular reactors, making clean energy more accessible while creating a UK success story with the potential to transform energy systems around the world.

The appointment of a Continuous Improvement Leader will be a pivotal role at Rolls Royce SMR to improve supplier readiness and capability and will ensure suppliers can deliver quality products on time and at the required standard. You will be reporting to our Continous Improvement Manager and your role will look like,

• Work directly with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes and assess supplier readiness and maturity
• Develop supplier continuous improvement capability
• Create frameworks and readiness programmes for future production requirements
• Deliver supplier training and improvement plans and frameworks
• Build future capability for cost, quality and schedule improvements

We seek an inspiring and tenacious individual who will have had exposure in regulated or highly regulated manufacturing environments (as you would expect nuclear "know-how" will be of great interest to us, whilst those from defence, aerospace and manufacturing sectors may all have transferable capability).

We will need your application to showcase your experience and knowledge in the following areas,

• Manufacturing Continuous Improvement experience
• Lean / Six Sigma qualification
• Proven delivery of Continuous improvement projects
• Manufacturing background
• Experience working within regulated industries

Location & Ways of Working

Required

This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington office. Hybrid working is standard, with regular supplier travel required. Some international travel may also be required depending on supplier activity. In return we offer,

• A salary between £53,800 and £66,500 depending on experience
• 12.5% performance related bonus
• A benefits allowance of £2,200 to build a personalised package
• Pension – 12% employer, 6% employee
• Holidays – 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 4 days)
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• £250 one-off home office setup payment

You’ll join a forward thinking, inclusive and innovative organisation offering,

• A flexible and supportive working environment
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• A culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning

Pay Range

£50,600.00

£66,465.00

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer,

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are,

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check