Kaizen Lead

About the Role 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 deploying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. The CI Lead acts as a change agent, partnering with operations and leadership to deliver measurable business improvements. What You'll Do

• 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 standardized, 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. What We're Looking For
• 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).
• 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. Nice to Have
• Black Belt designation is desirable.
• Experience with automotive electronics manufacturing is advantageous.
• Experience working in a global/multi-site manufacturing environment. Compensation & Benefits
• Salary: starting GBP 40,000 per year.