At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvement projects and empower teams to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Company: Valeo Foods UK, home to beloved food brands and a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join us in shaping the future of food with exciting growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in continuous improvement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.
As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.
Job Description
Make improvement happen. Make an impact that lasts. At Valeo Foods UK, continuous improvement is about empowering people, challenging the status quo and finding better ways of working every day. We’re looking for a passionate, results-driven Site Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to join our York Confectionery site. You’ll help deliver our CI strategy, improve performance and build a culture where everyone can make a difference.
Working with site leadership and production teams, you’ll turn opportunities into lasting results by reducing waste, improving efficiency and developing our people.
The opportunity
- Lead improvement initiatives, embed best practices and strengthen problem-solving across our manufacturing operations, while supporting digital tools and developing CI skills across the site.
Your key responsibilities:
- Lead improvement projects through Kaizen and rapid improvement events.
- Embed best practice through the Valeo Improvement Programme (VIP).
- Improve performance by increasing OEE and labour efficiency while reducing waste and costs.
- Support digital transformation by maximising the use of Redzone tools.
- Develop people by coaching teams in CI principles and problem-solving.
- Build capability through the VIP Academy and wider business initiatives.
- Use data to drive results by identifying root causes and delivering practical solutions.
- Create a culture of ownership where teams take responsibility for sustaining improvements.
If you enjoy solving problems, developing people and delivering real results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Qualifications
What you’ll bring
- You’ll be a proactive and engaging improvement leader who combines strong analytical skills with the ability to bring people with you.
- You’ll be comfortable challenging existing processes constructively, facilitating change and translating business priorities into practical improvements on the factory floor.
- Proven experience delivering continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in FMCG, ideally within food manufacturing.
- Management experience, with the ability to lead, influence, coach and develop others.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence using data to identify opportunities and measure results.
- Good working knowledge of Excel and data analysis tools.
- A sound understanding of mechanical systems and the ability to interpret how equipment and processes operate.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage colleagues at all levels.
- Demonstrable facilitation and coaching skills, including the ability to lead improvement workshops and problem-solving activities.
Additional Information
- Work pattern: Monday to Friday
- Location: York based, 5 days a week on site
Site CI Manager employer: Rowse Honey Ltd
At Valeo Foods UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in our Leeds hub. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our investment in training and development, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes a matched pension scheme and a cycle to work scheme. Join us to be part of a transformative journey where your contributions will help shape the future of some of Britain's most beloved food brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site CI 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 Rowse Honey Ltd, 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 Site CI 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 Rowse Honey Ltd 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 Rowse Honey Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Rowse Honey Ltd, 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 Rowse Honey Ltd 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.
