Avnet

Continuous Improvement Lead

Leeds, United Kingdom Full time

Farnell

Farnell, an Avnet company, is a global high-service distributor of technology products, services and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair.

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Summary

Our Distribution Centre is at the heart of what we do. Every order, every component, and every customer experience starts here.

As a Continuous Improvement Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in driving operational excellence across our DC operations. You’ll analyse end‑to‑end processes, uncover root causes using data, and lead improvement initiatives that make our warehouse safer, faster and more efficient. This is a hands-on, operational role where your work will have a direct impact on productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

This job is fully based on site 5 days per week, working flexibly between the hours of 6am-11pm on a 37.5 hour contract.

What is in it for you?

Joining Farnell means becoming part of a global organisation with a strong local culture of teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement. You’ll benefit from:

We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including: 

  • Pension scheme with pension matching up to 8%.
  • Access to Healthcare Cash Plan
  • 25 days holiday with the option to buy additional holiday 
  • Reward schemes - Online shopping portal and cash-back schemes
  • Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
  • FREE Onsite Parking with car share parking and EV charging points. 
  • Subsidised canteen with USB charging, televisions, and breakout area.
  • Wellbeing initiatives and mentoring programmes.
  • Full access to LinkedIn Learning.
  • Career development within Farnell and the wider Avnet family
  • The chance to make a measurable impact on safety, cost, quality and efficiency

What will you be doing?

In this role, you’ll be responsible for supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the Distribution Centre. You will:

  • Conduct detailed data analysis to identify trends, performance gaps, and root causes
  • Diagnose operational problems and deliver evidence‑based recommendations
  • Plan, lead and implement process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, value stream mapping, etc.)
  • Map, evaluate and redesign processes to enhance flow, reduce waste and improve quality
  • Facilitate cross‑functional project teams across warehouse, logistics, engineering and support areas
  • Develop and maintain KPIs and metrics for measuring process performance
  • Deliver presentations and training on CI tools, techniques and methodologies
  • Benchmark and research industry best practices to bring new ideas into the distribution environment
  • Conduct cost/benefit analysis to ensure solutions are commercially sound
  • Work closely with operational leaders to ensure changes are embedded and sustained
  • Support a culture of continuous improvement and proactive problem‑solving across the DC
  • Undertake other duties as needed to support operational excellence

What about you?

You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy fixing problems, leading change and working in a hands‑on operational environment. We’re looking for someone who has:

  • 3+ years’ experience in continuous improvement, operations, logistics or similar environments
  • Experience working in a warehouse, distribution centre, manufacturing or other operational setting
  • Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies (certification ideal but not essential)
  • Proven ability to analyse data and translate insights into actionable solutions
  • Experience facilitating CI workshops and leading cross‑functional teams
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to challenge the status quo
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
  • High attention to detail, with a structured and methodical approach to improvement
  • A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently
  • Willingness to be on the DC floor regularly to understand issues first‑hand

If this role sounds of interest, then please apply now!

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.


Avnet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you are interested in applying for employment with Avnet and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position contact our Human Resources Service Center in your region: Americas applicants – hrnow@avnet.com, Asia applicants - hrnow.asia@avnet.com, EMEA applicants - hrnow.EMEA@avnet.eu

Job Applicant EMEA Imprints