Process Leader Level 4 Apprenticeship

Develop Future Leaders with the Level 4 Process Leader Apprenticeship

Build Lean Management Capability Across Your Front-Line Leadership

The Process Leader Level 4 Apprenticeship is designed for those managing teams, departments, or operational areas. It equips leaders with the skills to plan, implement, and sustain Lean improvements, combining people leadership, performance management, and structured problem solving.

Ideal for supervisors, team leads, shift managers, or high-potential employees, this UK-accredited apprenticeship creates confident operational leaders who can drive change, align teams, and improve results.

Who Should Enrol?

This programme is suitable for:

  • Team leaders managing people, processes, or performance
  • Supervisors or shift managers in manufacturing, logistics, or technical roles
  • Candidates with prior Lean or operational experience ready to step up
  • Future leaders who would benefit from formal development in communication, coaching, and planning

 This apprenticeship strengthens that responsibility with the structure and tools to lead effectively.

What This Apprenticeship Delivers

By the end of this 12 month programme, learners will be able to:

  • Apply Lean management tools to sustain operational excellence
  • Lead structured performance reviews and use KPIs to manage results
  • Develop and deliver Self Development Plans for personal and team growth
  • Coach and mentor teams to improve motivation and skill levels
  • Communicate effectively in meetings, briefs, and stakeholder updates
  • Create and use visual performance boards to align teams around goals
  • Facilitate structured problem solving using A3 thinking and Lean tools

Programme Structure & Timeline

Initial training & ‘learning by doing’ phase (Months 1–10)

  • Introduction to Lean leadership behaviours
  • Core management styles and communication techniques
  • Role of the Process Leader in strategy deployment
  • Performance management, coaching skills, problem solving, visual control
  • Learners build and refine their own Self Development Plan
  • Structured project work with measurable KPIs
  • Application of skills in real-time operational settings
  • All aligned with organisational expectations of the leader

End point assessment phase (Months 10-12)

  • Final presentations and evidence portfolios
  • End Point Assessment includes professional discussion and project showcase
  • Assessment includes observations of chairing formal/informal meetings

All learning is supported with workplace coaching, 1-to-1 mentoring, and access to templates and tools to use immediately in the workplace.

Key Learning Themes

  • Lean Leadership Behaviours – From accountability to recognition, how to lead in a Lean culture
  • Coaching and Mentoring Skills – Practical techniques to grow and engage teams
  • Team Development & Motivation – Tools to align, inspire, and support team performance
  • Visual Management – Drive results using live data and visual boards
  • Structured Problem Solving – Facilitate A3s, root cause analysis, and countermeasure planning
  • Performance Management Training – KPIs, daily reviews, tiered escalation, and feedback loops
  • Communication Skills – Improve meetings, briefs, and written reports for clear leadership

Why Choose CLS?

  • Toyota-Trained Facilitators – All coaches have hands-on Lean leadership experience
  • Tangible Outcomes – Each learner delivers a business-aligned project with measurable ROI
  • Real-Time Coaching – We work on site, alongside your team, during normal operations
  • Genuine Leadership Growth – We build capability, not just compliance
  • Trusted Results – 81% of Process Leader learners in 2023–24 were promoted or took on greater responsibility within 12 months

Example Impact: Leading Change in Manufacturing

A Process Leader in a precision engineering company led a visual management transformation that improved right-first-time quality by 22% and reduced line downtime by 18% over six months. Through structured team briefs and daily performance huddles, they drove accountability, trust, and transparency throughout the team.

Recognition and Certification

  • Nationally Accredited Level 4 Qualification
  • End Point Assessment via a registered awarding body
  • Includes Functional Skills support if required (English/Maths Level 2)

Funding and Eligibility

  • Fully funded for levy-paying employers from your levy pot
  • Co-investment costs are typically between 0 – 5% contribution.
  • CLS supports the full onboarding process, from enrolment to outcome tracking

We work closely with employers to align the programme structure with shift patterns, departmental needs, and business cycles.

What Happens Next?

  1. Enrolment & Induction – Candidates complete an initial skills scan and agree objectives.
  2. Cohort Launch – Flexible start dates and group sizes
  3. On-Site Delivery – Monthly sessions, supported by online tools and mentoring
  4. Project Support – Real-time feedback on improvement initiatives
  5. Certification & Progression – Clear post-programme pathways into more senior leadership roles

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Let’s talk about how the Process Leader Apprenticeship could support your front-line leadership team.