Job Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist
Newport, Wales, GB, NP19 4XJ
EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. We have over thirty manufacturing and assembly plants worldwide servicing over 10,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Worldwide headquarters are located in Reading, PA, USA with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia. We complement our extensive line of Motive Power and Energy Systems with a full range of integrated services and systems. With sales and service locations throughout the world, and over 100 years of battery experience, EnerSys is the power/full solution for stored DC power products.
This position will be focusing primarily on our Energy Systems line of business, which include telecommunications, IT, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), utilities and switchgear, security, emergency lighting and general electronics. Some of the reserve power brands include PowerSafe,DataSafe, and Genesis. Our extensive product range serves a variety of reserve power applications and consistently delivers the most effective, powerful and reliable batteries available.
Job Purpose
This position reports directly to the Production Manager on a day to day basis with line to CI manager and is responsible for supporting the EnerSys Operating System (EOS) transformation efforts. This position implements and supports actions that bring about improvements to operations and processes which may include, but are not limited to, safety, quality, delivery, growth, margin expansion and inventory levels. Projects will be integrated with the region / plants lean deployment efforts and meet the guidelines, criteria and metrics established by the business.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Execute short-term and long-term objectives to drive continuous improvement goals.
- Collaborate with production unit departments to identify and eliminate process-related obstacles.
- Apply mapping techniques to optimize information, material, and production flow.
- Maintain regular shop floor presence and lead both individual and operator-driven improvement initiatives.
- Serve as a change agent, actively leading, supporting, and participating in Rapid Improvement Events (RIE), including:
- Supporting pre- and post-event standard work.
- Leading and participating in improvement projects and events.
- Conducting Gemba walks and coaching employees on continuous improvement, standard work development, adherence, workflow efficiency, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Deliver training on lean transformation tools and methods under guidance from the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager.
- Assist in updating and maintaining visual performance tools and KPI boards.
- Support cycle-time analysis, time studies, workflow balance, and workplace improvements.
- Facilitate problem-solving processes, root cause analysis, and implementation of preventive solutions.
- Develop efficient methods for utilizing personnel, equipment, materials, information, and energy to enhance product or service delivery.
Experience/Skills Requirement:
- Demonstrated experience deploying lean tools and methodologies such as 5S and structured problem-solving.
- Proven ability to lead and direct improvement teams at the shop floor level.
- Results-oriented change agent committed to continuous improvement.
- Skilled in problem-solving, project management, A3 thinking, quality management, and basic financial principles to effectively analyze and execute planned activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to role-specific requirements and changing priorities.
- Effective facilitator capable of guiding group activities and discussions using structured processes.
- Strong presenter and communicator able to interact confidently at all organizational levels.
- Proven mentor with the ability to influence team members positively and facilitate organizational change.
- Skilled in motivating and energizing teams to achieve defined goals.
- Capable of recognizing and managing conflict proactively and appropriately within role scope.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to create and manage spreadsheets for data analysis and tracking performance metrics.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing principles and practices.
Education / Qualifications:
- Minimum of 24 months manufacturing process experience.
- Experience in a process improvement function at a manufacturing facility
- Certified lean belt programme (desirable but not a must)
EnerSys provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.