The Lean Engineer will lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on optimising business systems, operational workflows, and service delivery processes within the business. This role combines Lean methodology, digital systems improvement, and operational excellence principles to drive efficiency, standardisation, quality performance, and cost reduction across site operations. This role ensures that systems, processes, and data flows are aligned to support business strategy, enhance efficiency, and deliver measurable value and will report directly into the Global Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager. 

Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence & Lean Deployment 

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives across site operations. 
• Apply Lean methodologies (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 6S,  Root Cause Analysis). 
• Identify and eliminate process waste across service delivery, commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and support functions. 
• Liaise with reliability engineering team to enhance reliability projects into overall continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement workshops. 
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. 

Business Systems Optimisation

• Assess and improve workflows across business systems (ERP, QMS, LMS, ATS, SharePoint, reporting tools). 
• Identify integration gaps and automation opportunities. 
• Lead digital workflow improvements to reduce manual processes and improve data integrity. 
• Support implementation of system enhancements aligned to operational goals. 
• Ensure business systems support compliance, traceability, and reporting requirements. 

Data & Performance Management

• Develop KPI frameworks aligned to operational excellence. 
• Analyse performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. 
• Support dashboard development and reporting automation across our client sites and support functions. 
• Ensure data quality and governance across systems. 
• Ensure projects comply with company standards, data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and relevant ISO frameworks. 
• Maintain documentation of integration processes, workflows, and governance requirements. 

AI & Intelligent Automation Enablement

• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and intelligent automation to improve operational efficiency, predictive performance, and decision-making across operations. 
• Collaborate with IT, Data Analytics, and Operational teams to evaluate and implement AI-driven tools for: 
• Predictive maintenance and equipment performance monitoring 
• Automated reporting and KPI analytics 
• Workflow automation within business systems (QMS, ERP, ATS, SharePoint) 
• Risk identification and trend analysis 
• Ensure AI solutions align with data governance, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements within regulated environments. 
• Support pilot programs for AI-enabled process optimisation and measure return on investment (ROI). 
• Develop governance frameworks to ensure ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI technologies in operational processes. 
• Promote AI literacy within operational teams to support adoption and change management. 

Skills Required:

Technical Skills 

• Lean Six Sigma (Green but Black Belt preferred) 
• Value Stream Mapping 
• Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone) 
• Process Mapping (Visio, etc.) 
• Business systems experience (ERP, QMS, Smartsheet, SharePoint, ATS) 
• Strong data analysis (Excel, Power BI desirable) 

 Behavioural Competencies 

• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills 
• Change management capability 
• Structured problem-solving approach 
• High accountability and execution focus 
• Ability to influence senior operational stakeholders 

 AI & Intelligent Systems Competencies 

• Strong data literacy and understanding of AI-enabled process optimisation 
• Experience identifying and implementing AI use cases in operational environments 
• Familiarity with automation tools and low-code AI solutions 
• Understanding of AI governance, risk, and compliance frameworks 
• Ability to evaluate ROI and business impact of AI initiatives 

Education / Licenses / Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field 
• 5+ years experience in Lean / Operational Excellence roles 
• Experience within semiconductor, life science, advanced manufacturing, or high-tech environments preferred 
• Demonstrated experience in business systems improvement and digital process optimisation 
• Experience working in regulated or high-compliance environments advantageous 
• Proven experience in project management (PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certifications preferred). 
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 beneficial. 
• Willingness to travel. 

Benefits:

• VHI Healthcare Cover
• Life Assurance
• Pension Contribution
• Training And Educational Assistance
• Annual GP Check-Up
• Extra Annual Leave
• Healthcare Screening
• Recognition Rewards