Production Facility Improvement Lead

Job Requirements

Job Summary:

The Production Facility Improvement Lead is responsible for driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across the customer’s rail production facility. The role focuses on optimising layout, workflows, equipment utilisation, and housekeeping standards to improve safety, quality, and productivity. Working closely with production teams, and support functions (HSE, Quality, Parts), the Improvement Lead will identify opportunities, deliver practical improvement projects at pace, and embed sustainable best practices to support reliable, efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Improvement

• Identify, prioritise and implement opportunities to improve facility layout, workflows, equipment positioning, and material flows.
• Lead structured improvement projects, from concept through to implementation, with clear objectives, timelines, and stakeholder engagement.
• Apply lean tools and methods (e.g., 5S, standard work, visual management) to create well-organised, efficient, and safe workspaces.
• Ensure improvements are aligned with production priorities and support on-time, high-quality delivery.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Engage production teams and supervisors to understand daily challenges and co-develop practical solutions.
• Work with Engineering, Quality, HSE, and Supply Chain to implement cross-functional improvements effectively.
• Regularly report on progress, and if support required.
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Champion safety in all improvement activities, ensuring changes comply with HSE and regulatory standards.
• Promote and sustain a clean, orderly, and hazard-free workshop environment.
  
  

Project Management & Reporting

• Manage timelines, resources, and communications for improvement projects.
• Report progress, risks, and achievements to leadership, ensuring visibility of benefits and lessons learned.
  
  

Work Experience

Person Profile:

• Demonstrated experience in a production, workshop, or manufacturing environment, ideally in an operational or improvement role.
• Strong understanding of lean principles and practical application of 5S and workflow optimisation.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, able to influence across levels.
• Proactive, hands-on problem solver who can deliver measurable improvements.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and drive change in live operational environments.
  
  

Personality / Job Skills

• Full, clean driving licence.
• Recognised qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), lean/continuous improvement qualification is desirable.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental practices.
• Experience leading improvement initiatives in a workshop or production setting.
  
  

Computer Skills

• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Comfortable using layout and visualisation tools; SAP knowledge beneficial.
  
  

Literacy And Numeracy

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Capable of preparing clear reports, layouts, and improvement proposals.