Continuous Improvement Process Engineers

Oxoid Remel Microbiology; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxoid Remel Microbiology is seeking a Process Engineer / PPI Business System Specialist to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will lead Kaizen events, deploy Lean and PPI methodologies, and work with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, problem solving, and developing sustainable solutions that enhance customer outcomes and manufacturing performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, science, or related field.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, or Six Sigma in production/operational settings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven approach.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational abilities across priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across levels of the organization.
• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead process-improvement initiatives and Kaizen events.
• Deploy Lean, Six Sigma, and PPI methodologies to improve throughput and quality.
• Investigate deviations and CAPA, driving sustainable improvements.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to identify performance gaps.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to implement safe, compliant changes.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Kaizen

Six Sigma

PDCA

Data-driven decision making

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Science or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

PPI Business System certification or equivalent

IOSH qualification or equivalent health and safety certification

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Joining our team, you'll play an active part in helping to deliver meaningful impact. At Oxoid Remel Microbiology, acquired from Thermo Fisher Scientific, we play a crucial role in accurate identification and targeted treatment for diseases, ensuring food and beverage safety, and supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing integrity. Our products and services are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, helping our customers achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.

Role Summary

As part of our Operations and Production Leadership Team, the Process Engineer / PPI Business System Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence through continuous improvement, process optimization, and Lean business system deployment. This role partners with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer experience while fostering a culture of Practical Process Improvement (PPI). The successful candidate will lead process improvement initiatives, facilitate Kaizen events, implement Lean methodologies, investigate performance gaps, and deliver sustainable solutions that improve manufacturing performance and business results. Through data-driven decision-making and collaborative problem-solving, this position supports the company's mission to enable customers to make a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
• Ensure all process and operational changes are implemented safely through appropriate risk assessments and change management processes.
• Develop and maintain safe systems of work by incorporating engineering controls, procedural controls, and personal protective equipment requirements where appropriate.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through coaching, training, hazard observation programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company standards.

Quality & Compliance

• Lead investigations into deviations, non-conformances, and operational issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Own and support Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to ensure timely and effective resolution.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and quality risks.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, quality systems, and applicable medical device and pharmaceutical regulations.

Operational Excellence & Customer Service

• Analyze manufacturing and business processes to identify capacity constraints, inefficiencies, and performance losses.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and PPI methodologies to improve throughput, quality, productivity, and customer service performance.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement workshops.
• Develop and monitor KPIs that identify performance gaps and drive sustainable operational improvements.
• Lead Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycles to resolve business-critical issues and improve process capability.
• Support daily management systems and tiered accountability processes by driving action plans and problem resolution.

Cost & Productivity Improvement

• Identify sources of waste and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Build business cases and obtain approval for capital investment projects supporting productivity and process improvements.
• Collaborate with project engineering teams to ensure successful implementation and realization of expected return on investment.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cycle time, inventory, and cost performance.

Continuous Improvement & People Development

• Champion our continuous-improvement culture through Kaizen activities, Just Do Its (JDIs), and structured improvement projects.
• Provide coaching, training, and mentoring on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Partner with production teams, supervisors, and functional leaders to build engagement and support for change initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure improvements are implemented safely, compliantly, and sustainably.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with relevant experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations, business, science, or a related field.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies within a production or operational environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with experience working across organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and practical application within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• PPI Business System certification or equivalent continuous improvement training.
• IOSH qualification or equivalent health and safety certification.
• Experience within pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, life sciences, or FMCG manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of GMP, quality systems, deviation management, CAPA processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable operational improvements, productivity gains, and cost savings.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, value stream mapping, standard work development, 5S implementation, visual management, and root cause analysis.

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to build on more than 100 years of microbiology excellence. With a broad portfolio of instruments, services, and global resources, we're steadfast in our commitment to helping you succeed. Together, we can cultivate a thriving microbiology culture that supports you today, tomorrow, and for life. Oxoid Remel Microbiology, acquired from Thermo Fisher Scientific, is now under the ownership of Astorg, a leading private equity firm with deep healthcare sector expertise and proven track record in diagnostics. With the continuity of trusted brands, established expertise and a long-standing reputation in microbiology, we're looking for talented people to join us as we enter our next chapter of growth. Come and be part of what's next for our company.