Jobs in Dufftown

Operations Improvement Technician

Location: Riverside, Dufftown, Scotland

Contract: 12 Months - Fixed-Term Contract

About the Company

Our client is a leading organisation operating within the renewable energy and industrial processing sector. They specialise in developing and operating innovative technologies that support the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future. With continued growth and investment across their operational sites, they are seeking an Operations Improvement Technician to support the implementation of operational excellence initiatives and workplace improvement projects.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on role focused on driving practical improvements across operational sites, with a particular emphasis on workplace organisation, visual management, stores optimisation, and continuous improvement activities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting operational teams to improve efficiency, standardise processes, and maintain high workplace standards. This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working closely with frontline teams, and delivering tangible improvements within an industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

5S & Workplace Organisation

* Lead and support the implementation of 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain).

* Conduct workplace audits and support teams in maintaining high housekeeping standards.

* Coach operational teams on best practices and sustainable workplace organisation.

* Drive continuous improvement in workplace efficiency and standardisation.

Visual Management & Operational Controls

* Develop and maintain visual management systems, including: Shadow boards, Labelling systems, Performance boards, Visual work instructions, Operational dashboards.

* Support the creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures and visual standards.

* Improve visibility and control of parts, materials, consumables and spare components.

Continuous Improvement Activities

* Participate in business improvement projects and operational excellence initiatives.

* Support problem-solving activities and root cause investigations.

* Assist with data collection, analysis and implementation of improvement actions.

* Contribute to Kaizen and continuous improvement events.

Stores & Materials Management

* Support the optimisation of stores layouts and inventory management processes.

* Improve material flow, traceability and stock control systems.

* Work closely with Production and Maintenance teams to ensure critical spares and consumables are effectively managed.

* Implement practical systems to reduce stock discrepancies and minimise downtime.

Operational Support

* Provide flexible support across operational areas during periods of growth, change or increased production demand.

* Assist with additional operational improvement activities as required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience

* Previous experience within a manufacturing, processing, engineering, industrial or operational environment.

* Proven experience delivering hands-on improvement initiatives.

* Minimum 3-5 years of relevant operational experience (or equivalent).

* Full UK Driving Licence.

Preferred Experience

* Experience implementing 5S methodologies.

* Experience with visual management systems.

* Background in stores management, maintenance operations or production environments.

* Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.

Desirable Skills

* Understanding of Lean principles and operational excellence methodologies.

* Experience creating visual aids, process documentation and standard work instructions.

* Knowledge of inventory control and material management systems.

What We're Looking For

Someone who enjoys making practical improvements, takes ownership of tasks, and is passionate about creating organised, efficient, and safe working environments. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working directly with operational teams, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping to implement sustainable solutions that support business growth