Operations - Excellence Lead

We have an exciting opportunity for the position of Excellence Lead based at our Ultrapharm site in Pontypool, part of the Finsbury Food Group. Ultrapharm is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten-free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award-winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.

About The Role

We are looking for a passionate and proactive Excellence Lead to drive strategic, site-wide operational excellence initiatives and drive continuous improvement. This role is responsible for leading lean and efficiency projects across manufacturing and support functions, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, and embedding best practice standards that support sustainable business performance and growth.

To Be Successful, You Will Be:

• Confident and collaborative leader who motivates others through clear vision and engagement.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a commitment to data-driven decision making.
• Able to balance short-term demands with long-term improvement goals.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment and adapts quickly to evolving business needs.
• A natural problem solver with an eye for identifying value and driving tangible improvements.
• Demonstrates initiative, personal accountability, and a passion for operational excellence.

This is What You’ll Actually Do!

• Lead and deliver group-standardised lean, Excellence, and Practical Process Improvement (PPI) training to build in-house continuous improvement capability.
• Drive operational excellence by coordinating cross-functional CI projects that improve efficiency in labour, materials, and overheads.
• Embed a high-performance, decision-making culture at all levels to accelerate problem-solving and increase organisational agility.
• Interface with internal customers and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities based on lean thinking.
• Lead and facilitate deployment of MARA (Finsbury’s management system), ensuring alignment across all site functions.
• Support the implementation and sustainability of Asset Care (TPM), in collaboration with Engineering and Operations.
• Implement and streamline processes via “Process Blueprint” (Leader Standard Work) to improve quality, customer satisfaction, and operational KPIs.
• Lead structured problem-solving sessions and ensure the consistent capture, sharing, and application of best practices across sites via FFG workplace forums.
• Prepare and present OBP updates and reports to senior stakeholders and business forums.
• Model and champion FFG’s core values and behaviours in all interactions, actively encouraging others to do the same.
• Facilitate CI workshops and training sessions to upskill teams and embed LEAN principles.
• Drive performance improvements across safety, quality, service, cost, and people metrics.
• Actively lead and track the successful delivery of CI projects—on time, within budget, and with full compliance.
• Act as a change agent, driving an action-oriented mindset across the site.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and support teams to identify process bottlenecks and drive efficiencies.
• Share learnings and replicate best practices across the Finsbury Food Group.
• Conduct accurate risk assessments and implement controls to ensure safe project delivery.
• Promote strong internal and external partnerships to support business objectives and project integration.

Ideally, This is You!

Essential:

• Proven experience in continuous/process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and successfully delivering change initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly organised in approach.
• Self-starter with strong prioritisation skills and ability to work under own initiative.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Full driver’s license and ability to travel without restriction.

Desirable:

• CI experience within the food manufacturing or FMCG sector.
• Background in the implementation of lean structures and tools.
• Familiarity with bakery processes and food production environments.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma/SPC techniques in process manufacturing.
• Degree or HND in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with product and process optimisation.

Our vision is to be the leading specialty bakery group in the UK, and we want the best people in place to achieve this. Our continued success is built entirely on the talented people who work here, so employee development is important to us because everyone is a valued member of the team, and we want every individual to have the skills and capabilities to achieve both your own personal goals and our business goals. We want good people to join our company, to help our company continue to go from strength to strength. If this sounds like you, please get in contact to learn more!

What’s in it for you?

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
• Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
• Death in Service Benefit.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
• Company shop available at sites (heavily discounted, yummy products!).
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – t&cs dependent).
• Employee Recognition Awards.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!).
• An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.