At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Continuous Improvement projects to optimise processes and reduce costs.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at pladis, a leader in the bakery and chocolate industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to operational excellence and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving excellence and innovation in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Passionate about Continuous Improvement with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead for our Manchester site who will influence and collaborate widely to support Excellence activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Prioritise, manage and deliver CI projects focused on reducing cost, optimising process and driving engagement across the Manchester Bakery and Chocolate Refinery.
- Facilitate, mentor and develop teams/individuals at all levels on‑site as part of the implementation and successful application of Operational Excellence.
- Act as an integral part of the site leadership team and play a key role in delivering financial and KPI targets.
- Work closely with Department Managers to ensure the ongoing sustainability of Excellence tools on site, maintaining skill levels and realising benefits.
- Lead and coach teams to conduct ‘narrow and deep’ interventions aimed at reducing cost, using Excellence tools and techniques.
- Lead Excellence training courses across the site and, if required, other pladis sites.
- Coach Green and Orange belt candidates in project delivery on site and certification.
- Own the annual building of a pipeline of improvement projects that delivers the site’s required financial improvement targets.
- Accountable for execution of the site improvement pipeline to deliver cost base improvement that meets site targets.
- Identify and submit Capex projects related to plant efficiency and lead these projects to completion when appropriate.
- Play a key role in the Site Leadership team driving the creation and execution of the overall site strategy aligned to business growth ambition.
Essential Qualifications
- Motivated and passionate about Continuous Improvement with a resilient character.
- Strong understanding of excellence tools & techniques within CI and leadership elements.
- Track record of operating in a manufacturing/supply‑chain CI culture.
- Ability to influence across all levels on site and across the business.
- Strong IT skills (e.g. MS Office).
- Excellent time‑management, delegation and team‑motivation/facilitation skills.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Change management and sponsorship skills.
- Effective project management skills and coaching toolkit knowledge.
- Lean Six Sigma qualifications (Green Belt preferable).
Desirable Qualifications
- Capex understanding and systems.
- Insights / HPB understanding and behaviour development.
- Experience managing diversity.
- Commercial awareness.
- Total Productivity Maintenance (TPM) understanding.
- Black Belt qualification.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, colour, 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 a 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.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Operational Excellence Manager employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment in Manchester that champions Continuous Improvement and operational excellence. Our commitment to employee development is evident through comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute to our ambitious growth targets. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and impactful.
