CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

Function: Manufacturing Excellence (ManEx) / UMS

Reports to: ManEx Leader
Location: Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
Terms & Conditions: Full-time Local Terms

All resumes must be in English.

JOB PURPOSE

Ensure the coherent application of UMS techniques across the site, applying rigorous cost deployment to convert losses to cost using loss trees and associated tools, supporting the prioritisation of equipment, training and process interventions (4Ms). Act as the site's leading practitioner for Focused Improvement and Kaizen activity, teaching problem-solving tools and frameworks, facilitating the application of best practice and sharing lessons learned. Provide teaching, coaching and mentoring on UMS issues for all leaders and operators.

Most Complex Aspects of the Role

• Leading engineering/process improvement through high mechanical knowledge, clear communication and logical thinking.

• Identifying, prioritising and addressing problems using the full range of improvement tools, confidently leading teams through Kaizen to eliminate recurrence.

• Applying a critical mind to innovate processes and embrace new technologies for competitive advantage.

• Balancing a hands-on technical/mechanical grounding (maintain, improve, repair) with a teaching and mentoring role across shifts and teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply UMS techniques coherently across the site under the guidance of the ManEx Leader, using cost deployment and loss trees to convert losses to cost

• Support the prioritization of equipment, training and process interventions (4Ms) based on loss analysis

• Teach, coach and mentor semi-autonomous and autonomous teams to utilize UMS tools, linking these to loss reduction

• Ensure semi-autonomous and autonomous teams adhere to the overall UMS Pillar Plan

• Conduct UMS assessments with teams to help drive down losses and waste

• Lead and facilitate UMS workshops focused on priority losses, liaising with HR, the Skills Trainer and Manufacturing Manager

• Support the development of local UMS training material, drawing on global material wherever possible

• Apply safety and environmental procedures; embed UMS activities, learning and training in a positive SHE culture; support risk assessment (Task Hazard Analysis) for Autonomous Activities and Preventative Maintenance

• Implement and support UMS initiatives that reduce environmental impact and cost (utilities, chemicals, waste) through eco-efficient operation

• Support the Quality Manager with Quality Improvement tools and ensure Quality Maintenance tools are applied, including analysis of quality losses

• Champion additional performance areas as required by the Factory Director (e.g. eco-efficiency, diversity)

Stakeholders and Purpose

Manufacturing Manager Alignment of UMS priorities with production

Site Engineering Manager Technical standards and equipment-related losses

ManEx Manager Guidance on cost deployment and UMS pillar priorities

First Line Managers Coordination of UMS activities on the floor

HR Manager and Site Skills Trainer Coordination of training and coaching interventions

Technology and Innovation Manager Alignment on technology-driven improvement

Technicians / Technical Operators Coaching, teaching and UMS tool application Site

SHE Manager Safety compliance in UMS

Site Quality Manager and Specialists Application of Quality Improvement and Quality Maintenance tools

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Engineering Degree. Preferred: post-graduate education in mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering.

Experience

Essential: experienced CI Practitioner able to identify synergies between pillars and teach/coach/mentor teams across the full range of CI and Quality Improvement tools.

Preferred: FMCG manufacturing experience; experience as a team member in a project management team with awareness of project management tools/techniques.

Leadership

Capable and confident leading teams through Kaizen and other improvement tools.

Languages

Spanish native or full professional proficiency.

English B2 level.

Other

Business awareness: understanding of the need to meet changing demands and the role of marketing/product innovation in growing the business. May be required to champion additional performance areas (e.g. eco efficiency, diversity).

Time to full performance 

Approximately 1 year in role.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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