Lead Process Development Manager

Job title: Lead Process Development Manager

Location: Aintree

Package: Up to £56k + £5800 Car allowance +10% bonus

Contract length: 2 years

What will this role achieve?

• Lead Site Technical team in support of the development and implementation of the Design Agenda. Providing Technical Know How for implementation on time and right first time.
• To develop and manage a site-specific programme of Cost Base Release (CBR), New Product Development, Procurement initiative implementation.
• To champion and deliver sustained improvements in manufacturing process efficiency, consistency, and quality at the site.
• To enhance technical competence across site-based teams through coaching / training / leadership / management & development of the site-based Process Development team(s).
• The role holder will be responsible for the Process agenda for the site and play a key role in meeting the above challenges by applying strong practical know-how, project, and people management skills to deliver results. The role holder will be the focal point of contact with Centrally based technical teams, NPD Design, Process Engineering, Ingredient Technology, Marketing and Procurement. They will also facilitate the flow of Best Practice in Process Consistency and Process Development tools and techniques to and from other factories and teams within Pladis UK.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Manages a programme of product and Process Development initiatives.
• Provides experienced technical support for Business-Critical operational performance and quality issues (both ‘hands-on’ and through management of the technical team).
• Implements innovations to manufacturing process and technology developed in partnership with central technical teams, to keep the site at the pioneering of industry developments.
• Performs effective and efficient planning, management and reporting of all factory trials relating to CBR, NPD, Procurement, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Applies Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools, techniques, and principles to drive technical excellence across all site operations, including the continuous improvement of performance and product quality.
• Implements a programme of improvement and standardisation to plant methods, technology, and practices vital to enhance and harmonise the standards of Process Development across Pladis.
• Works with NPD Design teams to ensure the successful and timely launch of new product initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with Health and Safety care of substances hazardous to health (COSSH), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and product specifications, always during trials.
• Develops process specifications for the site’s product range in line with the plants actual capability and completed for all product changes and launches.
• Provides timely and accurate input into the development of product specifications.
• Represents the site to Marketing Teams and to key retail customers regarding specific Process Development activities.
• Ensures and promotes consistency to the change protocol process.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Strong ‘hands-on’ Technical knowledge of snacks manufacturing processes including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients and recipe development.
• Experience of manufacturing systems and practices in a blue-chip FMCG environment.
• Demonstrated success in the management and development of technical teams within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in implementation of Continuous Improvement and change projects within a food manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity and understanding of the factory environment.

Desirable

• Formal business qualification (e.g. Management Diploma/MBA)
• Trained in Six Sigma/Lean Sigma to Green Belt level.
• Experience in a technical role in another blue-chip fast paced Consumer Goods (FMCG) company.