GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: 

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Loram UK continual improvement and business change processes throughout all areas of the organisation, in accordance with established management systems. Key aspects of the role include identification of opportunities, research and analysis to map out workflows, remove waste and low-value activities, and recommend solutions. Guided by formal methodologies, the Continuous Improvement Manager then leads in implementing changes and mentors others throughout different areas of the organisation. The Continuous Improvement Manager is also responsible for the delivery of Lean Six Sigma Training and Business Strategy processes.

This post ensures that a culture of continual improvement is embedded throughout Loram UK. That the process, purpose and vision are well understood and followed in accordance with our values.  

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:

Functional & Technical

• Have a detailed understanding of continual improvement tools and techniques (e.g. Kaizen, Lean, 6 Sigma, 5S, Value stream mapping etc.) to be able to identify the most appropriate tool for each opportunity.
• Manage a governance structure for the management of continual improvement projects in line with the businesses strategic objectives.
• Deliver change management within defined frameworks.
• Manage and delivery of Lean Six Sigma Training.
• Identify and deliver performance improvement activities across the business through employing continual improvement methodologies and the application of innovative thinking.
• Identify continual improvement opportunities throughout the business by active engagement with the business leaders and staff at all levels and from interrogation of dashboards, KPIs and other performance monitors defined by the business.
• Manage the continual improvement activity deployment plan for all opportunities and regularly communicate/report on the plan progress.
• Support the delivery of better value and greater efficiency through the identification and elimination of unnecessary complexity within business processes and identification of better ways of working.
• Develop a culture of continual improvement and process change at all levels throughout the business.
• Develop a network of continual improvement ‘champions’ across the business.
• Take ownership of change initiatives from original identification through to project delivery via internal governance and controls.
• Elicit requirements and drive process change using staff interviews, document analysis, requirements workshops, surveys, business process descriptions, business analysis and workflow analysis.
• Actively monitor project risks to foresee/identify potential problems and proactively identify solutions to address in advance.
• Ensure the business impact and project objectives/dependencies are identified, reported on and managed at all times.
• Complete post implementation ‘lessons learned’ reviews to ensure successful delivery has been achieved and to ensure that improvements can be made for future projects.
• Develop an awareness of continual improvement activities as applied within the wider Rail Industry.

Compliance

• Monitor the effectiveness of continual improvement activities and produce summary reports on status and effectiveness.
• Identify deviations from continual improvement activities and take corrective action in a timely manner.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Monitor the effectiveness and quality of continual improvement activities and participants contributions.
• Develop strategies, both short and long term to facilitate progress and increase efficiency.
• Coaching and development of staff at all levels of the organisation to ensure the principles of continual improvement are understood and applied.
• Driving and developing a continual improvement culture within Loram UK.