Overview
I am seeking an Operational Excellence/ Process/New Product Development /Continuous Improvement Engineer with experience in food manufacturing, preferably in short shelf-life products, baked goods..This individual will play a key role in collaborating with Operations Excellence, Manufacturing, Engineering, Product Development, and Technical teams to identify areas for improvement, develop solutions, and lead project initiatives.
Client Details
My client is a stable, global high-volume food manufacturer specializing in short shelf-life products, serving major retailers both nationally and internationally across Europe. Based in Southall, London, this is a unique opportunity to join their Operational Excellence team, working cross-functionally with the Product Development team on new product trials and other manufacturing improvement initiatives.
Description
30% NPD Process / Method Engineering
- Lead NPD trials for new products, defining and controlling machinery settings to enhance safety, quality, and performance.
- Continuously improve machinery settings and ensure the team is trained to use them correctly, maintaining up-to-date training records.
- Analyze NPD trial yields and losses, collaborating with teams to produce trial reports and provide mass balancing support.
- Support NPD project management, ensuring process optimization and stakeholder collaboration.
- Maintain document control for products, machinery settings, and quality standards.
- Work with stakeholders to establish clear visual management and maintain high standards, SOPs, and expectations.
- Assist the production team in meeting production, quality, and HACCP targets, ensuring products meet customer specifications.
- Collaborate with Controls Engineer to maintain up-to-date machine software and ensure compliance with product requirements.
- Engage with Quality and Controls Engineer to ensure checkweighers meet performance standards and reporting requirements.
- Participate in integrating new equipment or methods.
- Compile and present data reports in an accessible, standardized format.
- Provide technical and people management support to the team
Profile
- Must have experience in Continuous Improvement (CI) or Process Engineering within high-volume food manufacturing, specifically with short shelf-life products or baked goods.Yellow Belt Six Sigma trained, with potential to progress to Green Belt.
- Ideally certified in Food Safety, IOSH, and HACCP.
- Proficient in Power BI, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
- Advanced Excel skills, including Visual Basic coding for macros, Power Queries, Power Pivot, and KPI dashboard development.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent people management and leadership skills, demonstrating humility and respect for individuals.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
- Commercially aware with strong organizational and coordination skills.
- Technical knowledge in plant, processes, and products.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- A team player, able to collaborate across levels and with external parties.
- High numeracy and experience managing projects, particularly in operational efficiency, operational excellence, or NPD.
- At least 3 years of experience in food manufacturing, ideally in Operational Excellence or food production management.
Job Offer
- Salary: £45-50K
- Benefits package including pension, health, and more
- Opportunities for professional growth and exposure within a large company
- Work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
