Kaizen Practitioner - Continuous Improvement

Kaizen Practitioner - Continuous Improvement
Permanent 
£50,000 - £70,000 + Bonus 
Ross on Wye (Onsite)

Job Purpose    
The Kaizen Practitioner is responsible for driving the continuous improvement efforts within the organisation, utilising the Kaizen methodology. This involves identifying areas for improvement, leading improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. The role will require working closely with various teams to implement lean management principles and ensure the organisation achieves operational excellence.

Key Duties and Responsibilities    
Continuous Improvement Implementation:
- Lead the identification and execution of Kaizen projects aimed at improving processes, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity.
- Facilitate Kaizen workshops and training sessions to engage employees at all levels in continuous improvement activities.
Process Analysis & Optimisation:
- Analyse current processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
- Design and implement improvements in workflows and processes based on Kaizen principles.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work with various teams, including production, logistics, quality, and administration, to identify and implement best practices.
- Encourage and support team members in problem-solving activities and process optimisation.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collect and analyse data to measure the effectiveness of improvements and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Report on the progress of Kaizen initiatives to senior management, providing recommendations for further improvements.
Waste Reduction:
- Identify and implement strategies for waste reduction in terms of time, materials, and labour.
- Apply lean tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
Training and Mentoring:
- Train employees in Kaizen methodology and lean techniques, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
- Mentor teams on the implementation of improvement initiatives and empower them to drive change.
Sustainability and Standardisation:
- Ensure that improvements are sustainable and integrated into daily operations.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain improvements over the long term.

Essential experience
- Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in manufacturing or process-driven environments.
- Strong understanding of Kaizen and lean methodologies.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire teams.
- Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and drive change across the organisation.
- Experience in facilitating workshops and training sessions.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement tools such as 5S, Six Sigma, and value stream mapping is an advantage.
- Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (preferred but not essential).

Personal attributes
- Results-driven with a focus on delivering measurable improvements.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a collaborative mindset.
- High level of organisational and project management skills.
- Passionate about driving change and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential education/qualifications
- Degree level

Required skills/behaviours
- Good understanding of business systems and the impact of change.
- Report writing and delivery for management meetings.
- The ability to manage difficult people when implementing new processes.
- Attention to detail, ensuring all required detail is delivered accurately.
- To communicate clearly verbally and illustratively.
- To recognise areas for improvement.