At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects to improve efficiency and drive operational excellence in biscuit manufacturing.
- Company: Join FBC UK, home to iconic biscuit brands like Maryland and Jammie Dodger.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values authenticity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while working with innovative manufacturing processes.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with experience in continuous improvement and project management.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Company Description
We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ……And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).
FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company.
We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few.
We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names.
We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Pauls.
Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations.
Whilst we know that we have delicious products we also know that that the key ingredient to our success is our people, and the passion we have for our brands.
You could be the jammy to our dodger, party ring to our Fox’s or the choc-chip to our Maryland?!
We knead people with innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the commitment to drive FBC UK to success.
We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career.
By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact.
We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues’ professional and personal growth.
We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can learn from each other and grow through a variety of learning experiences.
Our colleagues make our business special.
With strong community values, we believe FBC UK is a more prosperous and fun place to work when people feel free to be themselves.
We believe in the power of being authentic, entrepreneurial and supporting each other whilst meeting our business goals.
About The Role
We are looking for a proactive and driven
Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our Batley manufacturing site.
Working as part of a dedicated team of three Continuous Improvement Engineers, you will lead site-wide improvement projects focused on driving efficiency, reducing costs, improving asset performance, and embedding a culture of operational excellence.
This is a highly visible role that sits at the forefront of change management within the factory.
You will combine project management, engineering expertise, and continuous improvement methodologies to identify opportunities, solve complex operational challenges, and implement sustainable solutions that deliver measurable business benefits.
Working cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams, you will be responsible for leading improvement initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring new standards, processes, and ways of working are successfully embedded and sustained.
The role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing equipment and processes, particularly across electrical and mechanical systems, alongside a passion for driving performance through data, people engagement, and structured problem solving.
- Main Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, waste reduction, and cost performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing line performance and implement step-change improvements across OEE, material giveaway, downtime, and operational losses.
- Manage improvement projects through structured methodologies such as DMAIC, ensuring projects remain on track, deliver agreed outcomes, and achieve sustainable results.
- Facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities to identify underlying issues and implement robust, long-term corrective actions.
- Develop and embed sustainable operational improvements and "1000-day fixes" that prevent recurring losses and improve reliability.
- Drive the implementation and ongoing development of TPM and Autonomous Maintenance (AM) programmes across the site.
- Lead SMED and changeover optimisation activities to improve equipment utilisation, flexibility, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Analyse manufacturing data to identify trends, losses, and performance improvement opportunities, presenting insights in a clear and engaging manner to stakeholders at all levels.
- Work closely with Engineering and Production teams to optimise machine settings, centreline standards, and process controls.
- Support factory cost transformation initiatives, identifying and delivering sustainable savings across labour, materials, utilities, maintenance, and asset performance.
- Support CAPEX projects from business case development through implementation and handover, ensuring projects deliver expected operational and financial benefits.
- Drive the deployment of new manufacturing standards, procedures, and best practices across the site.
- Engage, coach, and influence operational teams to build continuous improvement capability and create a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Ensure all improvement activities align with site Operational Excellence standards, governance processes, and business objectives.
Who We Are Looking For
- Engineering Apprentice-trained, HNC-qualified, or Graduate-calibre engineer with a minimum of two years' experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience delivering Continuous Improvement projects that have generated measurable improvements in productivity, OEE, waste reduction, giveaway, quality, or cost.
- Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, TPM, Autonomous Maintenance, and SMED methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional project teams and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
- Strong engineering understanding with hands-on experience of manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Ability to interpret and work with HMIs, electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, machine settings, and centreline management principles.
- Experience implementing sustainable operational improvements and driving behavioural change within manufacturing teams.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to transform complex data into actionable insights and business recommendations.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Commercially aware with experience identifying and delivering cost‑saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.
- Effective communicator with strong presentation, coaching, and facilitation skills.
- Self‑motivated, resilient, and results‑focused, with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Comfortable working on the factory floor, engaging directly with teams, and taking a hands‑on approach to problem solving and implementation.
- Diversity Statement
FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities.
We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way.
In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK.
The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.
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Continuous Improvement Engineer in Batley employer: BISCUITS DELACRE
At BISCUITS DELACRE, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Retail Brand Growth Lead, you will benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a collaborative environment that values innovation and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee well-being, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Engineer in Batley
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Leverage the Power of Internships
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like BISCUITS DELACRE, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Engineer in Batley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to BISCUITS DELACRE specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at BISCUITS DELACRE
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with BISCUITS DELACRE, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like BISCUITS DELACRE value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
