Continuous Improvement Lead

Are you a dynamic leader who excels at driving and motivating individuals and teams through Lean methodologies? Do you possess the skills to inspire excellence, streamline processes, reduce waste, and achieve top-tier results? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you

At John Crane, a global leader in engineered technology solutions, we are searching for an exceptional Continuous Improvement Lead to take our organization to new heights of efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. As a trusted provider in our industry, we understand the critical role that continuous improvement plays in our success. That's why we need someone like you to lead our continuous improvement initiatives.

As our Continuous Improvement Lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing continuous improvement strategies within our Slough site. You will focus on driving and motivating individuals and teams to embrace Lean principles, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and achieve operational excellence.

Your exceptional leadership, coaching, and facilitation skills will be crucial as you work closely with business leaders and key stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities and implement Lean methodologies across all operational and functional areas.

You will have the opportunity to lead and guide teams in continuous improvement initiatives, such as value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and waste reduction projects. By leveraging your expertise in Lean tools and techniques, you will empower individuals to contribute to the organization's continuous improvement goals.

Your exceptional organizational, prioritization, and facilitation skills will be crucial as you work independently and partner with business leaders and key stakeholders to identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives across all operational and functional areas.

It is also important to note, you’ll be joining a team who are focused on adding real value to every aspect of our engineering and manufacturing operations, you will have lots of opportunity for involvement, exposure to exciting projects and opportunity to forge collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will also have a great opportunity to advance within a global FTSE 100 company where career development is written into our DNA.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Develop and execute the (Smiths Excellence System) SES Lean strategy within our division site and/or value stream at John Crane.
- Build a disciplined operational review and execution system at the value stream and site level.
- Lead and drive cultural change in an operational and business transformation environment.
- Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives in all operational and functional areas.
- Collaborate with business leaders and key stakeholders to prioritize improvement projects.
- Use Lean methodologies to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Facilitate cross-functional teams and workshops to identify improvement opportunities.
- Provide training and coaching to employees at all levels to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Monitor and report on the progress and impact of Lean initiatives.

**Diversity & Inclusion**

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

**The Individual**
- Bachelor's degree in a related field; Lean Six Sigma certification is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives, preferably in a managerial role.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to work independently and partner effectively with business leaders and key stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical skills to identify improvement opportunities and implement data-driven solutions.
- Passion for driving cultural change and operational excellence.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

**About Smiths**

**About John Crane