At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive operational excellence in manufacturing.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Premier Foods, committed to inclusion and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing safety, quality, and productivity in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in continuous improvement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 47000 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, Kent, TN24 0LU
Salary: Up to £47,000 per annum dependant on experience
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 08.00-16.00 with flexibility, 37.5hrs per week
Join Our Team and Drive Operational Excellence
Are you passionate about improving processes, engaging people, and delivering measurable results? We are looking for a proactive and influential Continuous Improvement Partner to help drive sustainable improvements across our manufacturing operation. This is one of three Continuous Improvement Partner roles operating across the site. Each role is aligned to a dedicated business unit/production centre, providing focused support, coaching and improvement leadership to that area while contributing to the site's overall Continuous Improvement strategy.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong continuous improvement background to work closely with the Production Team embedding a culture of operational excellence. You will play a key role in identifying opportunities, facilitating change, and delivering improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity and cost performance.
The Role
Reporting into the CI Manager, you will act as a trusted business partner and change facilitator, working collaboratively across Production. You will lead continuous improvement plans, support problem-solving activities, and help teams develop the skills and mindset required to achieve sustainable performance improvements. This role provides the opportunity to make a tangible impact by driving efficiency, reducing waste, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and facilitate continuous improvement activities for your area
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity and cost performance.
- Analyse operational and manufacturing data to uncover improvement opportunities and support informed decision-making.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen and Root Cause Analysis methodologies to solve operational challenges.
- Facilitate workshops, value stream mapping exercises and structured problem-solving sessions.
- Coach and mentor Team Leaders, Specialist Operators and operational teams on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
- Support the reduction of downtime, waste, rework and process inefficiencies.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators, including OEE, yield, waste and productivity measures.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality and Maintenance teams to deliver sustainable improvements.
- Support change management activities and help embed new ways of working across the business.
- Develop and maintain improvement documentation, including A3 reports, action plans and performance dashboards.
- Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence and continuous improvement in your area.
- Partner with Finance to analyse waste, yield and cost performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
- Support health, safety, environmental and food safety standards through active participation in audits, risk assessments and improvement initiatives.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative individual who can influence at all levels and translate data into practical improvement actions.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence or similar role.
- Experience working within a manufacturing, FMCG, food production, engineering or operational environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
- Practical experience of Root Cause Analysis techniques and structured problem-solving.
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Experience facilitating cross-functional projects and improvement workshops.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to coach and influence teams to adopt continuous improvement practices.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and KPI reporting.
Desirable
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
- Experience of Value Stream Mapping and OEE improvement programmes.
- Knowledge of food manufacturing, quality management systems or regulated production environments.
- Experience working within a matrix management structure.
What You'll Bring
- A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- An engaging and collaborative approach to coaching and influencing others.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A proactive mindset with the ability to challenge constructively and drive positive change.
- Resilience, adaptability and a commitment to delivering sustainable results.
Benefits and Perks
- 25 day's annual leave and 8 bank holidays
- Contributory pension up to 7.5%, plus life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health support
- Sharesave scheme
- Company shop
- Online retail discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free on-site parking and strong transport links
At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
The Next Step...
Click apply via our website and upload your CV.
Continuous Improvement Specialist in Ashford employer: Premier Foods
Ambrosia is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a highly automated and technologically advanced environment in Lifton. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a supportive work culture, we provide our team members with the chance to develop their skills while contributing to the production of the nation's favourite foods. Join us for a rewarding part-time role that balances professional development with a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Specialist in Ashford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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 Premier Foods, 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 Continuous Improvement Specialist in Ashford
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 Premier Foods 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 Premier Foods
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Premier Foods, 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 Premier Foods 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.
