Lean Manufacturing Graduate jobs

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working on the factory floor, engaging with operators and supervisors, and implementing practical improvements that deliver measurable business benefits. The successful candidate will introduce new ways of thinking, modern manufacturing techniques and structured problem-solving methods to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality and R&D, the role will lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the Haydock site, embedding a culture where improvement becomes part of everyday working.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing manufacturing business where there is significant scope to influence processes, challenge existing practices and introduce industry-leading manufacturing techniques.

Salary - £45,000 - £47,000

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.
• Identify and implement improvements to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Productivity.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and improvement workshops.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SMED and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Develop Continuous Improvement roadmaps and promote a culture of structured problem solving.

Manufacturing & Process Improvement

• Improve Right First Time (RFT), OEE and manufacturing productivity.
• Reduce waste, downtime, changeover times and process variation.
• Analyse production data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop KPIs, visual management systems and manufacturing documentation.
• Support process validation, new product introduction (DfM) and capital investment projects.
• Recommend and implement improvements to equipment, tooling and manufacturing processes.

Problem Solving

• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations using structured methodologies.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to completion.
• Support Quality in reducing internal defects and customer complaints.
• Maintain Continuous Improvement records and share lessons learned across the business

People & Collaboration

• Work closely with production teams, spending significant time on the shop floor.
• Coach supervisors and operators in Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving techniques.
• Encourage employee involvement in Continuous Improvement activities.
• Develop training materials and share best practice across Pyroguard sites.
• Build strong relationships with Operations, Engineering, Quality and R&D.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience delivering measurable Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience leading improvement projects from concept through to implementation.
• Excellent structured problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical ability with confidence using production data to identify opportunities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to engage people at all levels of the organisation.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and hands-on approach.
• Comfortable challenging existing methods and driving positive change.

Experience with some or all of the following would be advantageous - 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SMED and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Able Future:

  Mental health support

• Cycle scheme:

  Employees save money on a new bike of choice and accessories to go with it

• Tech Scheme:
  Employees can choose from thousands of tech items
• Wage Stream:

  Financial Education and Training with access to wages early if needed