Site Operations Development Manager

Company Description

We are FBC UK, Fox's Burton's Companies! ……And we bake the UK's most incredible biscuits (we might be slightly biased, but we will leave that for you to judge).

FBC UK was a match made in heaven, with two of the top UK biscuits manufacturers (Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits) coming together to create one unique, integrated company.

We are home to famous iconic brands, including Maryland, Fox's, Jammie Dodger & Rocky, to name just a few. We are proud manufacturing partners to some of the biggest UK retailers and household names. We bake our incredible biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK, located at Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset and our HQ in St Albans. Together, we employ circa 4,000 amazing colleagues across all our locations. 

Whilst we know that we have delicious products we also know that that the key ingredient to our success is our people, and the passion we have for our brands. You could be the jammy to our dodger, party ring to our Fox’s or the choc-chip to our Maryland?!  We knead people with innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the commitment to drive FBC UK to success.

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that feels empowered to build a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) we create a supportive environment for people to thrive and strive to have more positive impact.

We understand that having formal and on-the-job learning opportunities is key to our colleagues’ professional and personal growth. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can learn from each other and grow through a variety of learning experiences.

Our colleagues make our business special. With strong community values, we believe FBC UK is a more prosperous and fun place to work when people feel free to be themselves. We believe in the power of being authentic, entrepreneurial, and supporting each other whilst meeting our business goals.

About the Role

We are looking for a Site Operations Development Manager to join us here at FBC UK! You will support the Area Plant in implementing the Master Plan while driving continuous improvement to strengthen the local production system. Acting as a change agent, you will coordinate cross-functional projects, connect plant teams with central functions, and manage governance within your assigned geography to ensure alignment and operational excellence. This role will be covering our North West bakeries.

Main Responsibilities

Industrial Masterplan

• Define, develop, and optimize a balanced and high-performing industrial footprint through strategic inputs and business plans.
• Implement industrial-level guidelines from the strategic plan, proposing footprint improvements and optimization opportunities.
• Act as the operational driver for the Plant, shaping the evolution of the FBC UK industrial model in collaboration with key functions (Operations Development, Area Plant, Engineering, Finance, R&D).

Projects Coordination & Integration Initiatives

• Serve as PMO for cross-functional plant projects, ensuring consistency and alignment across initiatives.
• Drive integration programs within the Plant, acting as a facilitator to strengthen collaboration between plants, local teams, and central functions.
• Oversee the implementation of Plant Master Plan initiatives in coordination with Operations Development.
• Ensure timely follow-up and reporting on initiative results.

Systems & Methodologies

• Lead the development and optimization of processes, systems, methods, and guidelines to achieve industrial excellence with a geographic perspective.
• Integrate new industrial models and promote common objectives across the organization.
• Create conditions for effective factory organization and continuous improvement of the production system.

Who we are looking for

Experience Requirements:

• Extensive experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, with experience in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in driving continuous improvement initiatives and achieving operational excellence.
• Strong experience in multi-plant coordination and cross-functional project management.
• Solid background in financial analysis for industrial investments.
• Exposure to strategic planning and organizational development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering or Industrial Management or equivalent experience.
• Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP/Prince2), or similar.
• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing IT tools.

Diversity Statement

FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all of our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at FBC UK. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative and highly rewarding.

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