Overview
Join to apply for the Site Excellence Lead role at Finsbury Food Group. Location: Johnstone’s Food Service, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 5PB. Shift: Monday-Friday. Salary: Competitive.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Operations team in the role of Site Excellence Lead at our Johnstone’s site. Johnstone’s Food Service Bakery in East Kilbride, Scotland, specialises in creating food-to-go bars and single-serve treats for leading retailers across the UK. The role focuses on driving site-wide operational excellence, continuous improvement, and embedding best practice standards to support sustainable business performance and growth.
You will be a confident and collaborative leader who motivates others through a clear vision and strong engagement, with a data-driven approach balancing short-term performance and long-term improvement goals. You should thrive in dynamic environments, being adaptable and responsive to evolving business needs.
Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver group-standardised Lean, Excellence, and Practical Process Improvement (PPI) training to build in-house continuous improvement capabilities.
* Drive operational excellence through cross-functional continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and support functions to improve efficiency in labour, materials, and overheads.
* Embed a high-performance, decision-making culture, enable faster problem-solving, and improve organisational agility across site functions.
* Lead deployment of MARA (Finsbury’s management system) and ensure alignment across site functions.
* Support Asset Care (TPM) implementation with Engineering and Operations; streamline processes via Process Blueprint (Leader Standard Work) to improve quality and KPIs.
* Lead structured problem-solving sessions and capture best practices; share learnings across sites through workplace forums; prepare and present OBP updates to senior stakeholders.
* Champion continuous improvement, facilitate CI workshops, and upskill teams to embed Lean principles in daily operations.
* Drive improvements in safety, quality, service, cost, and people metrics; manage CI projects from initiation to compliant delivery, on time and within budget.
* Act as a change agent, identifying bottlenecks and collaborating with engineering, operations, and support teams for efficiency gains.
* Share learnings across Finsbury Food Group, conduct risk assessments, and implement appropriate controls for safe project delivery.
* Promote internal and external partnerships to support business objectives and successful project integration.
Essential qualifications
* Proven experience in continuous/process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
* Track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering change initiatives.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
* Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly organised in approach.
* Self-starter with strong prioritisation skills and the ability to work independently.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
* Full driver’s license and ability to travel without restriction.
Desirable qualifications
* CI experience within the food manufacturing or FMCG sector.
* Background in the implementation of lean structures and tools.
* Familiarity with bakery processes and food production environments.
* Knowledge of Six Sigma/SPC techniques in process manufacturing.
* Degree or HND in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
* Hands-on experience with product and process optimisation.
What’s in it for you?
* Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival
* Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
* Death in Service Benefit
* Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
* Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform
* Company shop available at sites (heavily discounted, yummy products)
* Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – terms and conditions dependent)
* Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including sponsored professional memberships and our in-house development course)
* Opportunity to be part of a growing organisation
Note: This description reflects the current duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The role may evolve with the needs of the business.
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