Continuous Improvement Lead

Overview

We work hard for the people who work for us. We champion our teams. We foster collaboration, inclusion, respect and excellence. What we are trying to say is we want to be more for you.

We are your path to a better career, a better future, and a better you.

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, flawlessly manufactured millions of products and earned a long list of awards. Year after year, we are one of the World's Most Admired Companies.

Our teams are the secret to our success. They are empowered, inventive and inclusive. Passionate about their craft. Driven to succeed. Because we all understand that we must work together to win.

Are you ready for a better career? A better future?

Role

• Role: Continuous Improvement Lead
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Sunderland Plant
• Reports To: Operations Manager
• Direct report: Continuous Improvement Technician
• Working Hours: Mon-Thu 07:30-16:30, Fri 07:30-12:30. Flexibility is possible, though these are the core standard hours.
• Required By: ASAP

About the Sunderland Plant

Lear Corporation's Sunderland facility operates across two production lines - seating and foam - and employs around 600 people. It is a modern, high-performing site supporting major automotive customers including Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, with strong investment in production and R&D capabilities.

Mission

Lead and drive continuous improvement in the Sunderland Plant, embedding a CI culture across all departments. Deliver sustainable improvements in operations, quality, and efficiency while developing people and processes for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion CI culture and lead training, development, and succession planning.
• Drive diversity and inclusion through recruitment, talent programs, and promotions.
• Lead the team to exceed KPIs (WOS/MOS, OIP, Plant of the Future) and customer quality expectations.
• Implement best-in-class 5S practices and support ongoing CI initiatives (IDEA, TIC, advanced material handling).
• Collaborate on new processes and technologies to enhance efficiency and financial performance.
• Support upcoming product/program launches with zero disruption and within budget.

Requirements

• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of lean tools, problem-solving, and CI methodologies.
• Leadership and coaching skills, with ability to engage and develop teams.
• Experience in driving cultural change and managing cross-functional projects.
• Good communication and reporting skills (plant and regional level).