Continuous Improvement Specialist

Avery Dennison; Cramlington; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Life Insurance

Cash Health Plan

Pension

Bonus

Free parking

Free electric charging points

Flu vaccinations & eye test vouchers

25 vacation days + holidays

Wellbeing & development programs

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Avery Dennison is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist at our Cramlington site. You will drive shop-floor improvements using Lean Six Sigma, lead DMAIC projects, and coach teams to embed autonomous problem-solving with data-driven dashboards.

Work on applying AI tools and digital solutions to reduce waste, improve safety, quality and productivity while fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability across shifts.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in Lean Six Sigma/CI within manufacturing.
• Degree qualified; Green Belt or Black Belt desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act on shop floor to map processes, reduce waste and variation using Lean/Six Sigma.
• Lead DMAIC projects and facilitate root-cause analysis and Kaizen events.
• Support Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) across site with Enterprise Lean Sigma skills.
• Educate teams with Lean Six Sigma White Belt training across shifts.
• Analyze performance data and build dashboards; explore Gemini AI to streamline workflows.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Data visualization

AI & analytics tools

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Power BI

Oracle Analytics

IBM Cognos

Tableau

Gemini AI

Job description

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will be a hands-on change agent focused on driving operational performance across our manufacturing site. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma foundations (5S, TPM, Visual Management, DMAIC), you will spend time on the shop floor identifying waste, eliminating process variation, and directly impacting key performance metrics (safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost). You will leverage data, analytical tools, AI and emerging digital solutions to diagnose root causes and coach site teams to build sustainable, self-service problem-solving habits. You will combine analytical experience with practical problem-solving to build intuitive dashboards, facilitate Kaizen events, and champion the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process. You will serve as an educator—teaching teams from White Belt fundamentals to A3 execution—to embed a lasting culture of site-wide autonomy and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Work Location/Status: On-site role based at our Cramlington facility.

Hands-On Waste & Variation Reduction: Actively engage on the shop floor to map processes, uncover bottlenecks, and eliminate non-value-added activities using Lean / Six Sigma tools to directly improve key operational metrics.

DMAIC Project Execution & Facilitation: Independently lead and execute productivity improvement projects utilizing the DMAIC framework, and facilitate root-cause problem-solving sessions, A3s, and Kaizen events to drive plant KPIs.

MDI & ELS Deployment: Support facilitation of the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process across the site, supporting cross-functional teams with Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS) skillsets and disciplines to drive accountability and prioritization.

Education & White Belt Training: Serve as a site educator by facilitating Lean Six Sigma White Belt training sessions, building foundational capabilities, and embedding a self-service mindset across all shifts and functions.

Data Visualisation, Analytics & AI Integration: Analyze performance data using BI tools to build/maintain intuitive dashboards, and explore and adopt Gemini AI and digital tools to streamline Lean workflows and reduce administrative waste.

Job Description

About the role

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you will be a hands-on change agent focused on driving operational performance across our manufacturing site. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma foundations (5S, TPM, Visual Management, DMAIC), you will spend time on the shop floor identifying waste, eliminating process variation, and directly impacting key performance metrics (safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost). You will leverage data, analytical tools, AI and emerging digital solutions to diagnose root causes and coach site teams to build sustainable, self-service problem-solving habits. You will combine analytical experience with practical problem-solving to build intuitive dashboards, facilitate Kaizen events, and champion the Manufacturing Daily Improvement (MDI) process. You will serve as an educator—teaching teams from White Belt fundamentals to A3 execution—to embed a lasting culture of site-wide autonomy and accountability.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Professional Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience in Lean Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
  • Education & Certifications: Degree qualified (or equivalent experience) with a solid foundation in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies; Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
• Skills you need to succeed:
  • Practical Problem-Solving: Excellent root-cause analysis skills with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to identifying waste, eliminating variation, and solving operational challenges alongside shop-floor teams.
  • Data & Analytics Capability: Experience in data analytics with modern BI tools (e.g., Oracle Analytics, IBM Cognos, Power BI, Tableau) and the ability to build and maintain intuitive dashboards.
  • Digital Mindset & Leadership: Curiosity and enthusiasm for using Gemini AI (or similar Generative AI platforms) to streamline problem-solving, alongside strong coaching and communication skills to mentor teams and foster cultural accountability.

Additional Information

What we offer

• Health & Financial Security: Enjoy Health and Life Insurance, a Cash Health Plan, Pension, and a Bonus. Benefits include a subsidized canteen, access to a discount site, free parking, free electric charging points, and free annual flu vaccinations and visual eye test vouchers.
• Time Off & Flexibility: Benefit from 25 vacation days, plus statutory bank holidays, Parental leave and family-friendly policies, and flexible working arrangements.
• Well-being & Continuous Development: Access an Employee Assistance Program, our comprehensive Wellbeing Policy, and Development Discussions for career growth. Join our Active Sports & Social Club and enjoy annual summer and Christmas events.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in volunteer activities to support Non-Profit Organizations.

Why join Avery Dennison

We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. As a science and innovation company, we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and courage, where you can grow your career with a company that has innovation in its DNA. Founded on creating real-world impact to enable a better future, we strive to provide an open, collaborative culture where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected. Hear from our employees about what it's like working at Avery Dennison. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, we work with the biggest brands in the FMCG, apparel, automotive, and pharma industries. Our Cramlington location, founded in 1969, is a collaborative and dynamic environment that supports our Materials Group - EMENA division and employs approximately 230 talented individuals. Key functions at this site include Manufacturing and Operations, Quality, Enterprise Lean Sigma, Maintenance, Research and Development, HR, Finance, Marketing, Customer Service, EHS and IT, offering diverse career paths and opportunities for growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact us to request an accommodation at [e-mail]. In the EMEA region, we foster an inclusive culture through active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Elevate, Unite, and our Mental Health group. Please visit our DE&I page to learn more about our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring base salary range above represents what Avery Dennison reasonably expects to pay for this position as of the date of this posting. Actual salaries will vary within the range, and in some circumstances may be above or below the range, based on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant skills, experience, education and training, and location, as well as the job scope and complexity, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel required for the position, which may change depending on the candidate pool. Avery Dennison reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.