Kaizen Lead

ASTEMO UK, LTD.; Bolton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

ASTEMO UK, LTD. is seeking a Kaizen Lead to drive a sustainable culture of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

You will deploy Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, coach teams, and lead cross-functional Kaizen events to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. You will work with Operations and leadership teams to deliver measurable business improvements, embedding CI into daily operations and supporting audits and customer requirements in automotive electronics

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment.
• Experience coaching, training, or facilitating improvement activities.
• Knowledge of quality and operational systems relevant to automotive (e.g. IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA).
• Six Sigma project experience (Green Belt required; Black Belt desirable).

Responsibilities

• Identify, prioritise, and lead Continuous Improvement and Kaizen initiatives.
• Champion and embed a continuous improvement culture aligned with automotive industry standards and business objectives.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and breakthrough improvement activities across production and support functions.
• Analyse manufacturing, quality, and operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure improvement projects are data-driven, with clear baselines, targets, and benefits tracking.
• Coach and mentor individuals and teams at all levels in CI tools, problem-solving, and Lean behaviours.

Skills

Data analysis

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen events

Automotive manufacturing knowledge

Coaching mindset

Change agent

Problem-solving

Engagement & collaboration

Education

Six Sigma Green Belt

Six Sigma Black Belt desirable

IATF 16949 / APQP / PPAP / PFMEA knowledge

Job description

Company Name ASTEMO UK, LTD. Job Family: Manufacturing & Operations Job Description:

The Kaizen Lead is responsible for driving a sustainable culture of continuous improvement across the business. The role focuses on data-led problem solving, coaching and capability building, and the structured deployment of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. The CI Lead will act as a change agent, working closely with operations, and leadership teams to deliver measurable business improvements.

Typical Knowledge & Skills

• Strong capability in data analysis, interpretation, and statistical problem solving
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement frameworks
• Demonstrable experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing environments (electronics assembly preferred)
• Strong coaching mindset with the ability to develop individuals and teams
• Influential change agent able to challenge constructively and inspire engagement
• Proactive, resilient, and results-focused with a high level of personal accountability
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment

Qualifications and Previous Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment
• Experience coaching, training, or facilitating improvement activities
• Knowledge of quality and operational systems relevant to automotive (e.g. IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA)
• Six Sigma project experience (Green Belt required; Black Belt desirable)

Organisational Level & Limits of Authority

Reports to: Operations Manager

Direct Reports: None

Duties & Key Responsibilities

Identify, prioritise, and lead Continuous Improvement and Kaizen initiatives

• Champion and embed a continuous improvement culture aligned with automotive industry standards and business objectives
• Act as a role model for Lean thinking, high-performance behaviours, and problem-solving discipline
• Analyse manufacturing, quality, and operational data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Ensure improvement projects are data-driven, with clear baselines, targets, and benefits tracking
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and breakthrough improvement activities across production and support functions
• Apply Lean tools such as value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, SMED, error-proofing (Poka-Yoke), and waste elimination
• Ensure improvements are standardised, sustained, and embedded into daily operations
• Coach and mentor individuals and teams at all levels in CI tools, problem-solving, and Lean behaviours
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Leadership teams
• Provide regular progress updates on CI performance, projects, and benefits realisation
• Support audits, customer requirements, and industry standards relevant to automotive electronics manufacturing

Salary

starting 40k GBP

About the Company

At Astemo, we respect each other, never pass the buck and work creatively to accomplish our mission. Our people are given exciting opportunities to develop and grow in a truly international business, where they are proud to be part of a collaborative and innovative team.

Diversity & Inclusion is valued to build and leverage an inclusive work environment and embrace diversity to unlock our full potential. We believe that this will give us the strength to drive great innovations to create new values for people, vehicles, and the society, and to unlock our full potential to become a global leader in everything we do. At Astemo, innovation drives our passion for excellence. As a global leader in the mobility sector, we are dedicated to shaping the future through advanced technology, sustainable practices and a commitment to empowering our diverse team of talented individuals. We believe that our greatest asset is our people. With a rich legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and forward-thinking mindset, we continuously seek exceptional individuals who share our vision and ambition to redefine the mobility industry.

As you explore our website, we invite you to discover exciting career opportunities across various disciplines and regions. Whether you are an experienced professional or new graduate, there is a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our dynamic global community. Join us in driving innovation, shaping the future and unlocking new possibilities in the mobility industry. Your journey begins here at Astemo. For Data Privacy queries or technical support, please email us.