At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join pladis, a vibrant global hub in the heart of West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health plans, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and fresh ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the snacking and confectionery industry while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing and operational excellence, preferably in FMCG or food sectors.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Role Title: Global Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager
- Site Introduction
In 2021, pladis proudly opened the doors to our vibrant global hub, the MIU Campus.
Located in the heart of Chiswick Park, West London.
Just a short 5-minute walk from Gunnersbury Station, our campus is nestled within 33 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.
Chiswick Park is home to both our UK and Global Corporate teams, bringing together diverse teams across the business.
What will this role achieve?
The Senior Operational Excellence Manager will play a critical role in driving world‑class manufacturing performance across pladis’ snacking and confectionery operations.
This role will lead the deployment of operational excellence frameworks, improve safety, quality, cost and service performance, and embed a strong continuous improvement culture across multiple factories.
The successful candidate will bring deep experience in the snacking and/or confectionery sector, strong manufacturing and operational excellence expertise, and the ability to influence at all levels in a complex, global organisation.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Lead the design, deployment and sustainment of pladis’ Operational Excellence (OE) framework across manufacturing sites, aligned with global standards and local needs.
- Drive measurable improvements in
OE%, cost, losses, quality, conformance to plan, and safety performance using problem‑solving methodologies.
- Coach and challenge factory leadership teams to embed continuous improvement behaviours and ways of working.
- Identify, prioritise and execute improvement initiatives with clear business cases and quantified benefits.
- Manufacturing Performance & Capability Building
- Partner closely with site, regional and global manufacturing leaders to improve end‑to‑end operational performance.
- Support capability building across factories through training, coaching and hands‑on support (e. g. Lean tools, root cause analysis, standard work).
- Ensure consistency of KPIs, performance management routines and best‑practice sharing across the network.
- Act as a subject‑matter expert for operational excellence within the snacking and confectionery manufacturing context.
- Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety‑first culture , supporting continuous improvement in safety performance and risk reduction.
- Ensure OE initiatives fully align with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements typical of the snacking and confectionery sector.
- Support reduction of losses, defects, and variability through robust problem‑solving and process control.
- Change & Stakeholder Management
- Lead change initiatives across multiple sites and geographies in a matrix organisation.
- Influence senior stakeholders and factory leadership teams without direct authority.
- Work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D and Digital teams to deliver integrated improvements.
- Support digitalisation and data‑driven decision‑making initiatives where relevant to manufacturing performance.
Bring your experience.
- Proven experience in the snacking and/or confectionery industry is essential.
- Significant experience in manufacturing and/or operational excellence roles within FMCG or food manufacturing.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering sustainable operational improvements in a factory environment.
- Experience working across multiple manufacturing sites and cultures, ideally in a global or regional role.
- Technical & Functional Skills
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, CI tools and structured problem‑solving.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing KPIs such as OE%, net losses, service and safety metrics.
- Experience embedding standard work, performance management routines and continuous improvement systems.
- Familiarity with food safety and quality systems relevant to snacking and confectionery manufacturing.
- Leadership & Behavioural Skills
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills at all organisational levels.
- Ability to coach, develop and challenge teams to drive behavioural change.
- Structured, data‑driven and pragmatic approach with a strong delivery mindset.
- Comfortable operating in a complex, matrixed, international environment.
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt / Black Belt) strongly preferred.
- Fluency in English required; additional languages are an advantage.
What will the interview process be?
- Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition
- 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
- 2nd stage interview – 90 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process.
Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!
What does pladis offer you?
- Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
- Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan
- Private medical Insurance (if eligible by grade)
- Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
- Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme
- 25 days + bank holidays
- 1 Volunteering Day per year
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership – Carlisle and Chiswick only
- Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial Wellbeing Support
- Access to great training and development opportunities
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 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.
Accessibility at Chiswick
Our Chiswick site has step‑free access, accessible entrances nad lifts between floors to support with individuals with mobility needs.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.
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Global Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager employer: pladis Global
At pladis Global in Aintree, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Site Finance Partner, you will not only enhance your financial skills but also enjoy opportunities for professional growth within a leading FMCG company. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with a supportive team environment, makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like pladis Global, 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 Global Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager
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 Global 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 Global
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with pladis Global, 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 Global 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.
