At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead process excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing.
- Company: Join a global biscuits and confectionery leader committed to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and fresh ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and bringing happiness to consumers worldwide.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and experience in process improvement or operations leadership.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Want to help us bring happiness to the world?
Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people?
Then this is the place for you.
As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire.
We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.
To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability.
If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.
What will this role achieve?
The Head of Process Excellence will lead the development and deployment of best-in-class process management across R&D and manufacturing, driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, waste reduction and technical capability.
This role will shape the process excellence strategy for UK&I, embedding Lean Six Sigma, statistical process control and robust trial design to improve performance, unlock productivity and support the successful implementation of new assets, technologies and ways of working.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Strategic leadership: Develop and execute a process excellence strategy aligned to UK&I business priorities, productivity ambitions and R&D technical roadmaps.
- Continuous improvement: Lead the use of Lean Six Sigma tools to assess current processes, identify inefficiencies and deliver sustainable improvement across quality, cost, capacity and waste.
- SPC and data-led performance: Embed statistical process control and performance management routines to improve process capability, reduce variation and enable better decision-making.
- Technical DOE leadership: Partner with engineering, operations and site teams to design experiments that optimise machinery settings, process parameters and new technology integration.
- Cross-functional delivery: Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain and R&D teams to align priorities and deliver process improvement initiatives at pace.
- Capability building: Establish and oversee training programmes that strengthen capability in Lean Six Sigma, SPC, root cause analysis, trial design and continuous improvement.
- Waste reduction: Identify and eliminate waste in all forms, including overproduction, waiting, transport, extra processing, inventory, motion and defects.
- Executive reporting: Define KPIs, track benefits and present progress, risks and recommendations to senior stakeholders in a clear, evidence-based way.
Bring your experience.
- Essential Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Food Science or Manufacturing, Significant experience in process improvement, process engineering or operations leadership within a manufacturing or R&D environment.
- Strong practical knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, statistical process control, process capability and root cause analysis – minimal green belt.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence senior stakeholders and deliver complex improvement programmes.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience interpreting process data, building KPIs and translating insight into action.
- Experience supporting new machinery, technology implementation or capital investment projects from a process excellence perspective.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for different audiences.
Desirable.
- Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification.
- Experience in food, bakery, snacking or FMCG manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading DOE activity and optimising process parameters for new equipment or technology platforms.
- Track record of delivering measurable productivity, waste reduction or process capability improvements across multiple sites.
Our Values
- Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite.
- Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
- Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better.
- Resilient – We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward.
- Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.
Best mix of ingredients pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix.
A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world.
Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated.
Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce.
All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List.
If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.
We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL.
We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.
pladis is an ambitious global snacking company and home to much loved brands including Mc Vitie’s, GODIVA and Ülker. pladis also owns regional brands Jacob’s, Go Ahead, Flipz, Turtles, BN, Verkade and many more products across sweet and savoury biscuits, wafer, cake and chocolate.
Formed in 2016, pladis is the proud steward of over 300 years of family baking and confectionery experience.
The expertise of our 15,000+ global workforce spans 26 bakeries and factories and is united by our purpose: to ‘bring happiness with every bite’.
As a responsible business delivering the highest quality products and exceptional service, pladis’ products have the potential to reach more than four billion people across the world.
For more information, please visit : www. pladisglobal. com For our Privacy policy please click here
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Head of Process Excellence in Manchester employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis Foods Limited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located in the vibrant United Kingdom, we offer our employees unparalleled growth opportunities, a commitment to sustainability, and a supportive work environment that encourages creativity and teamwork. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and invests in your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Process Excellence in Manchester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Process Excellence in Manchester
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 pladis Foods Limited 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 pladis Foods Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with pladis Foods Limited, 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 pladis Foods Limited 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.
