Back to search

Continuous Improvement Engineer - Food Manufacturing

Southall Permanent £45,000 - £50,000 per year View Job Description
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.
  • Save Job
  • Continuous improvement and change management leadership experience
  • New product development plant trials and process

About Our Client

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.

Job 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



70% Operational Excellence

  • Collaborate with the Operational Excellence Manager on Site and Group strategy development and governance.
  • Promote a CI culture using tools like SIMs, 8D, 5 Whys, RCA, and SIM audits.
  • Monitor OEE to improve plant efficiency, identify DMAIC and A3 projects, and coach teams.
  • Manage KPIs and lead forums to align performance with senior management goals.
  • Develop data systems for continuous improvement and support data-driven decisions.
  • Participate in group meetings, follow guidelines, and lead presentations.
  • Conduct site benchmarking and improve KPI performance through team engagement.
  • Apply CI tools (e.g., SMED, 5S, Visual Management) to drive performance improvement.
  • Support the Operational Excellence financial roadmap and monitor project progress.
  • Provide lean training and maintain manufacturing data integrity through Power BI.
  • Set standards for continuous improvement, audit SIM processes, and assist with Excel tools.
  • Conduct efficiency studies and benchmarking, provide coverage for the Operational Excellence Manager.
  • Collaborate on corrective actions, support new equipment integration, and manage capital projects.
  • Lead improvement projects, manage CI communications, and ensure HR policy compliance.

The Successful Applicant

  • 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.



What's on 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



Contact
Sally Ristine-Barratt
Quote job ref
JN-092024-6535240
Phone number
+44 207 269 2108

Job summary

Job function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Subsector
Six Sigma, Lean, Process improvement
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
Southall
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Sally Ristine-Barratt
Consultant phone
+44 207 269 2108
Job reference
JN-092024-6535240