Continuous Improvement Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Continuous Improvement Manager to join our Operations team, here at Yorkshire Baker. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will be responsible for embedding a robust, repeatable and controlled operating model across the site, with a clear focus on quality, consistency, and process discipline.

• Lead continuous improvement activity with quality and consistency as the first priority
• Identify and eliminate sources of process variability that impact product quality/shelf life/complaints/rework and waste related to quality failure
• Act as a key partner to Technical in embedding quality by design, not inspection
• Ensure improvements are aligned to quality risk assessments, QCPs, and quality contracts
• Lead the use of SPC and process capability tools where appropriate
• Ensure processes are capable, stable & clearly controlled
• Drive transition from reactive fixes to predictive, controlled processes
• Support robust change management, ensuring quality risk is fully assessed before any changes or modifications
• Ensure improvements do not undermine food safety, quality or legal/retailer requirements
• Integrate CI thinking into daily operational rhythms, not standalone projects
• Coach leaders to own improvements, rather than depend on CI function delivery
• Lead structured problem solving focused on true root cause, not symptom removal
• Use data to drive decisions, not just reporting
• Convert internal failures, complaints, and PIRs into system improvements
• Build site capability in problem solving, process thinking & quality risk awareness
• Embed a culture where early escalation is encouraged, near misses are valued and consistency is prioritised over short-term output

• Strong food manufacturing background, ideally within pastry or bakery
• Strong understanding of process control, variation management as well as quality systems
• Proven ability to influence, work cross-functionally and embed change
• Proven experience supplying top-tier UK retailers, ideally M&S
• Experience of continuous improvement, quality, efficiency & compliance within food manufacturing
• Ability to solve problems, communicate effectively at all levels as well as showcasing strong leadership
• Effective communicator with a calm and diplomatic attitude