Continuous Improvement Project Manager (5S/Kaizen)

TN United Kingdom; Towcester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Continuous Improvement Project Manager to spearhead the development of a transformative production system. This role is pivotal in fostering a culture of kaizen, where your expertise will empower employees to drive process improvements. You will lead change initiatives, develop tailored training programs, and ensure the successful implementation of best practices across the organization. If you are passionate about quality service and possess a strong background in continuous improvement, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in continuous improvement or kaizen role required.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Drive transformation as a change management expert.
• Oversee daily operations of the Kaizen Promotion Office.

Skills

Change Management

Lean Management

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

Facilitation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Job description

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Continuous Improvement Project Manager (5S/Kaizen), Towcester

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Client:

Lumentum

Location:

Towcester, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

174ffac94f35

Job Views:

7

Posted:

26.04.2025

Expiry Date:

10.06.2025

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Job Description:

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We are seeking a 5S/Kaizen project Engineer to support the development and implementation of the Lumentum Production System. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional quality service, capable of driving key project initiatives for sustained process improvements, and contributing innovative ideas.

Key Responsibilities:

Change Management:

The role serves as a change management expert, acting as an adviser, trainer, coach, and catalyst to drive transformation.

Business System and Curriculum Development:

As the organization’s Lean technical expert, you will play a crucial role in defining, conceptualizing, and customizing a business-specific system (similar to TPS) along with associated curriculum and training modules.

People Development:

You are responsible for helping the organization transition from reliance on external experts to an employee-driven kaizen culture. This includes both formal and informal training at all organizational levels, focusing on technical skills and behavioural development.

You will act as the subject matter expert and facilitator for kaizen events, ensuring adherence to event standard work. This responsibility extends to strategy, pre-event planning, execution, and follow-up.

You will assist the organization in evolving from a system-driven approach (focused on events) to a principle-driven approach that includes both events and daily kaizen. This includes facilitating the adoption of a Lean management system, training employees in problem-solving, leading activities like mini-kaizens and kaizen circles, and equipping others to promote a daily kaizen culture.

You will oversee the daily operations of the Kaizen Promotion Office, sharing responsibilities, and mentoring team members through process improvements.

You will continuously improve the organization’s kaizen processes, both event-based and daily, by demonstrating applicable tools and providing thought leadership within the company.

While many responsibilities are qualitative, you are expected to deliver a significant return on investment.

You will quantify the benefits of projects in terms of cost savings (ROI) and/or metric improvements, ensuring proper project closure sign-offs.

You will support the sharing, replication, and standardization of best practices across all sites.

Required Experience:

• Proven ability to lead change across all organizational levels, with a hands-on approach to implementing improvement designs.
• Experience in executing strategic initiatives, with a focus on enhancing the Lumentum Production System both locally and globally.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, coupled with excellent facilitation abilities.
• Proficiency in interpreting, analyzing, and understanding complex data sets.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a continuous improvement or kaizen role.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Kaizen experience in the semiconductor, optics, or datacom industry is highly desirable.
• Preference given to Industrial Engineers with relevant kaizen experience.