Astor Bannerman
Continuous Improvement Engineer
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Continuous Improvement Engineer
Role Overview
Astor Bannerman manufactures, supplies, installs and services specialist bathing and lifting systems to support disabled and elderly people and their families and carers. We have a 30-year track record as a market leader in our field and pride ourselves on being an innovative company in growth phase.
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence across the manufacturing business by identifying, developing and implementing improvements to processes, equipment and production methods.
Working closely with Production, Quality, Research & Development, Procurement and Supply Chain, the role provides technical expertise to improve safety, quality, productivity and cost efficiency. The Continuous Improvement Engineer plays a key role in supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring products are designed for manufacture and assembly while embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.
Main functions and responsibilities
Continuous Improvement
- Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operational processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety and efficiency using Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Analyse manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Drive waste reduction, process standardisation and cost-saving initiatives.
- Facilitate problem-solving workshops using structured improvement methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Whys and Fishbone Analysis.
- Work closely with the Research & Development team to ensure products are designed for manufacture and assembly (DFM/DFA).
- Review and support Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure manufacturing readiness.
- Develop manufacturing documentation, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and production processes to support successful product launches.
Manufacturing Engineering
- Provide technical support to Production teams, resolving manufacturing and process-related issues.
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase capability, efficiency and repeatability.
- Design and develop production tooling, fixtures and jigs using CAD.
- Evaluate and specify new manufacturing equipment, tooling and factory layout improvements.
- Ensure manufacturing processes remain robust, safe and capable of meeting customer demand.
- Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing.
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Quality & Technical Support
- Work with the Quality team to investigate production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Support Root Cause Analysis and verification of corrective actions.
- Ensure engineering documentation and manufacturing data remain accurate and controlled.
- Promote best practice in manufacturing quality and process control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships across Production, R&D, Quality, Procurement and Supply Chain.
- Lead or support cross-functional improvement projects from concept through to implementation.
- Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Support the development of a continuous improvement culture across the business by coaching and mentoring colleagues on Lean tools and problem-solving techniques.
Measures of Success
- Measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and manufacturing performance.
- Reduction in waste, rework and manufacturing costs.
- Successful delivery of continuous improvement projects.
- Improved product quality and process capability.
- Successful implementation of projects into production.
- Effective management of engineering changes and manufacturing documentation.
- Positive engagement with cross-functional teams.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a Design Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering role.
- Degree (BEng or above) in Mechanical, Manufacturing or a related Engineering discipline.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly and fabrication techniques.
- Experience improving manufacturing processes and supporting production teams.
- Excellent CAD skills, preferably SolidWorks.
- Experience with Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), ideally involving sheet metal fabrication.
- Strong analytical, project management and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Desirable
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Knowledge of Six Sigma, Kaizen or Value Stream Mapping.
- Experience with ERP systems and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Proactive, organised and self-motivated.
- Innovative with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to influence and engage colleagues at all levels.
- Collaborative and team oriented.
- Committed to delivering measurable business improvements.
- Resilient, adaptable and driven to achieve results.
Company benefits include:
- Annual leave which increases with service plus 3 day Christmas shut down
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Your Birthday Off
- Eye Care Scheme
- Medical Expenses Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Fully Funded Company Social Events
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Free tea, coffee & fresh fruit
- Free onsite Parking
- Beyond Routine reward
- Colleague Referral bonus
- Bonus Scheme
- Casual Dress
Job Location: Andoversford, Cheltenham, GL54
Work Pattern: Primarily Office-Based (Hybrid)
Hybrid Working:
This role requires a daily presence in our Andoversford office for the majority of the time. Candidates must have a reliable commute or plan to relocate prior to their start date. Occasional work-from-home (WFH) days are available as business needs allow, but the position remains predominantly office-based.
Hours are 37.5 per week
Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. Applications will only be considered from candidates who are currently based in the UK and already possess the right to work without requiring sponsorship.
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