Continuous Improvement Expert

We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.

© 2023 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Continuous Improvement Expert
Stowmarket, Suffolk

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Over the years, Akzonobel has developed a strong Continuous Improvement (CI) culture in the company and active CI communities around the world. We are now planning to accelerate the growth and maturity of our plants by accelerating the adoption of CI methodology and tools in our network.

Job Purpose 

Collaborate with colleagues to deploy the AkzoNobel Leading Performance System (ALPS) Manufacturing framework for a group of sites. This will involve collaborating with a group of manufacturing sites to deliver performance goals, drive manufacturing process maturity and implement a culture of continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities 
•    Manage the deployment of specific activities across all sites in your assigned Cluster/Region.
•    Review current state of site processes, identify gaps & prioritise process improvements & enablers.
•    Monitor, report, communicate progress & the impact on metrics. 
•    Contribute to defined integrated supply chain metrics & goals. 
•    Build continuous improvement (CI) capability within both CI Managers and site team members through active coaching and training.
•    Collaborate with colleagues from other projects & work streams to provide valuable insights to the Regional ALPS/CI Lead.
•    Contribute to nurturing a CI culture on your sites.

 
Key Activities 
Process Deployments:
•    Train site team on manufacturing processes, tools and techniques
•    Review site processes using site diagnostics, process flows, data etc.
•    Identify gaps and prioritize process improvements and enablers.
•    Build and monitor implementation plan.
•    Develop site change story and plan. 

Implementation
•    Implement standards and a Continuous Improvement program on site.
•    Train and coach site management and team on leading and managing change. 

Monitoring & sustaining:
•    Coach site work stream champions and employees
•    Monitor performance against key metrics. 

Focused Intervention:

•    Analyse and identify improvement opportunities for both their assigned cluster and/or sites using data and personal insights.
•    Develop and deploy related proposals, including specific interventions using tool and techniques such as VSM/Loss and Waste, Kaizen and/or other processes and enablers 

Contribute to overall CI Communities
•    Join and support preparation of key knowledge sharing/best practices sharing forums
•    Support standards and training material developments
•    Contribute to CI Communities and Digital activities when relevant
•    Contribute to communication initiative 

Job Requirements 
•    Bsc degree in Technology, Engineering, Chemistry or related experience.                                    
•    Multiple years of practical experience in some of the following areas: Manufacturing Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program, project management, CI and change management.
•    Experience in continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Six Sigma or other continuousImprovement methodologies and tools – minimum at brown beld / CI practitioner level) 
•    Good communication skills, from plant managers to line operators and able to lead workshopsand working groups
•    Willingness to travel 
•    Experience in cultural transformation and change.                                                                  

What Makes You Stand Out
•    Able to lead workshops & working groups.                                                                                                                          
•    Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key.
•    Excellent communication, project management & interpersonal skills.

What do we Offer at AkzoNobel 
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
•    Competitive Salary (depending on experience).
•    25 days holiday excluding bank holidays.
•    Income protection.
•    Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores.
•    Employee Assistance Programme.
•    Employee Life Assurance.
•    Company pension.
•    Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.  Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. 

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 35608