Kepak is a leading food company with 14 manufacturing sites and over 4,500 employees across Ireland and the UK, with a turnover of €1.75 billion. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork—we are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone.

Kepak Meat Division UK operates across 3 manufacturing sites with 2,000 employees, producing a range of quality meat and protein-based food products for retail and foodservice customers. The division focuses on providing exceptional service and value to our stakeholders.

To support the Retail Operations department in the creation of a more efficient, cost effective and high-quality production environment through the creation, implementation and delivery of an Operational Excellence Programme utilising appropriate OpEx methodologies, tools and techniques (Lean Six Sigma, RCA, 6S, Value Stream Mapping etc)

Responsible for identifying, implementing, and sustaining improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and promote best practices across the retail operations department.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including commercial, operations, food safety and quality, supply chain, engineering and health and safety to drive continuous improvement across all processes and promote a culture of operational excellence.

Requirements

Lead the Op Ex programme for the Retail Manufacturing operation, working with site management teams to identify areas for improvement, agree priorities and develop an improvement programme to enhance operational efficiency and minimise waste
In conjunction with the site management team develop and implement an Op Ex programme to oversee all Op Ex projects from implementation to completion ensuring cross functional alignment and alignment with business objectives
Utilise appropriate lean manufacturing tools and methodologies including cost reduction initiatives and root cause analysis
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and impact of operational excellence initiatives
Highlight risks, challenges and exceptions to management teams
Understand and adhere to company health and safety policies and procedures.
Contribute to health, safety and wellbeing at the site ensuring safe working practices and supporting a positive safety culture.
Keep up to date with and adhere to all internal business policies and procedures (IT, cybersecurity, HR)
Ownership of Op Ex budget, reporting and delivery
Promote a culture of continuous learning and development including designing and executing training programs for staff on operational excellence principles and best practices
Work closely with various departments to identify and address process bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Facilitate workshops as required to review processes and generate ideas for improvement
Work closely with central project management office to establish project frameworks and reporting requirements and set up for success
Facilitate the introduction and establishment of quality improvement programs to ensure product consistency, safety and customer satisfaction
Understands customer needs and market dynamics and focuses on delivering and operational excellence programme that enhances Kepak status as a best in class, cost competitive supplier
Be the expert in operational excellence tools and methodologies and enhance Kepak reputation as a best-in-class supplier of retail manufactured products
Research and implement new technologies or methodologies to further enhance operational efficiency
Actively seeks to develop industry knowledge and awareness including sustainability awareness and understanding Kepak sustainability goals and commitments
Understands competitive forces in the market place with regard to operations processes and cost optimisation
Understands end to end industry supply chain processes and shares insights with wider teams to promote operational and supply chain excellence

Role Requirements

Bachelor's degree / Level 8 qualification in Business Administration, Engineering, Industrial Management or related field
Proven experience in a senior operations role and/or continuous improvement role in food manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing Black Belt certification is essential
Other project management qualifications and experience advantageous
In depth knowledge of Op Ex tools and techniques and practical implementation experience
Proficiency in relevant project management software and digital tools for process mapping and optimisation
Financial & Commercial Acumen: Understanding of cost drivers, budgeting, and commercial levers in manufacturing
Analytical mindset with ability to use data driven insights to identify areas for improvement

Benefits

31 days annual leave (after probation)
Employee Discount platform
FREE access to Employee Assistance Program (Includes Free legal advice,counselling and mental health advice and a 24 hour help and advice line)
Pension plan
Death in Service benefit for all employees in the pension scheme
Christmas hamper
Earn up to £500 with our refer a friend scheme
On-site parking
Cycle to work scheme
Subsidised Canteen
Free Lunch Once a Month
Free hot drinks all day
Employee engagement activities
Long Service Awards
Ongoing Training and Development in the role

Kepak Group

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Operational Excellence Manager