Process Improvement Engineer

Theo James Recruitment Ltd; Hebburn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension plan (salary sacrifice)

25 days + bank holidays

Extra days purchase option

Holiday entitlement up to 28 days

Job summary

Process Improvement Engineer role in Hebburn focused on identifying and implementing process optimisation projects across manufacturing.

You will lead value-stream mapping, process-flow analysis and Kaizen events to reduce waste, improve cycle times and overall manufacturing performance. Expect DMAIC, 5S and Six Sigma methods, CAPEX project ownership and mentoring a junior engineer.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline.
• 3–5+ years' Process Engineering/Continuous Improvement experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt – Black Belt advantageous.
• Strong Lean knowledge including 5S, Kanban and SMED.
• Practical DMAIC and root-cause-analysis experience.
• CAPEX project-management experience.
• Minitab, Power BI or similar data-analysis capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement projects across manufacturing.
• Conduct value-stream mapping, process-flow analysis and Kaizen events.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve cycle times.
• Develop FMEAs and process control plans; implement poka-yoke solutions.
• Manage large CAPEX projects and cross-functional improvement programmes; oversee scope, timelines and budgets.
• Mentor a Process Improvement Assistant and deliver Lean/Six Sigma training.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

DMAIC

Root-cause analysis

Data analysis (Minitab/Power BI)

Stakeholder management

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

SAP/ERP/MES

Job description

Process Improvement Engineer

Location: Hebburn

Salary: £45,000 - £52,000

Benefits:

• AXA Private Healthcare
• Salary Sacrifice Pension – company match up to 10%
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days
• Holiday increasing with service up to 28 days

The Company:

An established global manufacturing organisation is looking to recruit a Process Improvement Engineer for its operation in Hebburn.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a structured engineering environment where continuous improvement has genuine visibility across the organisation. Rather than simply supporting day-to-day production issues, the successful Process Improvement Engineer will have the opportunity to lead improvement programmes, influence manufacturing processes and deliver tangible operational change.

Job Description:

As Process Improvement Engineer, you will identify, design and implement process optimisation projects across manufacturing.

The Process Improvement Engineer will lead value-stream mapping, process-flow analysis and Kaizen events, identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times and enhance overall manufacturing performance.

You’ll use techniques including DMAIC, 5 Whys and fishbone analysis to identify root causes, while developing FMEAs, process control plans and poka-yoke solutions.

The Process Improvement Engineer will also take ownership of large-scale CAPEX projects and cross-functional improvement programmes, managing scope, timelines, budgets and resources.

Working closely with production, procurement, facilities, product development and external suppliers, you’ll ensure improvements are successfully implemented and sustained. You’ll also mentor a Process Improvement Assistant and deliver Lean/Six Sigma training across the organisation.

Skills & Experience:

• HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline.
• 3–5+ years' Process Engineering/Continuous Improvement experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt – Black Belt advantageous.
• Strong Lean knowledge including 5S, Kanban and SMED.
• Practical DMAIC and root-cause-analysis experience.
• CAPEX project-management experience.
• Minitab, Power BI or similar data-analysis capability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• SAP/ERP/MES experience advantageous.

Why Should You Apply?

This Process Improvement Engineer opportunity provides genuine ownership rather than simply supporting improvement activity. You'll have the autonomy to identify opportunities, implement change, manage CAPEX and influence how manufacturing operates.

For a Process Improvement Engineer looking for a role combining technical CI expertise with project ownership, mentoring and wider business influence, this offers an excellent next step