Site Excellence Lead

Overview

Site Excellence Lead at Finsbury Food Group – Lees site, Coatbridge, ML5 4EF.
Shift: Monday-Friday.
Salary: Competitive.

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.

You will be a confident and collaborative leader who motivates others through a clear vision and strong engagement. As a strategic thinker with robust analytical skills, you’ll be committed to data-driven decision-making, balancing short-term performance with long-term improvement goals. You should thrive in dynamic environments, be adaptable and responsive to evolving business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver group-standardised Lean, Excellence, and Practical Process Improvement (PPI) training to build in-house continuous improvement capabilities.
• Drive operational excellence through cross-functional CI projects aimed at improving efficiency across labour, materials, and overheads.
• Embed a high-performance, decision-making culture at all levels; enable faster problem-solving and greater organisational agility.
• Work with internal customers and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement using Lean principles; lead and facilitate deployment of MARA (Finsbury’s management system) ensuring alignment across site functions.
• Support the implementation and sustainability of Asset Care (TPM) in partnership with Engineering and Operations.
• Streamline processes through “Process Blueprint” (Leader Standard Work) to improve quality, customer satisfaction, and key operational KPIs.
• Lead structured problem-solving sessions; ensure best practices are captured, shared, and applied across sites via FFG workplace forums.
• Prepare and present OBP updates and reports to senior stakeholders and business forums.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement in line with FFG values; upskill teams through CI workshops and training sessions.
• Drive improvements across safety, quality, service, cost, and people metrics; manage CI projects from initiation to compliant delivery—on time and within budget.
• Promote an action-oriented mindset; collaborate with engineering, operations, and support teams to identify bottlenecks and drive efficiency.
• Share learnings and replicate best practices across Finsbury Food Group; conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate controls for safe project delivery.
• Foster strong internal and external partnerships to support business objectives and successful project integration.

Essential qualifications

• Proven experience in continuous/process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and 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 qualifications

• 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.

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, tasty products)
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – terms apply)
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including sponsored professional memberships and in-house development courses)