Production & Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Gateshead Team Valley, UK

Reports to: Operations Director

Direct Reports: Shift Managers

Biscuit International UK is the leading specialist supplier of own-label gluten-free biscuits and cookies in the United Kingdom. Located in Gateshead, our production facility operates three lines, with an annual output exceeding 4,300 tonnes annually in plain, chocolate, and sandwich biscuit formats. We are part of Biscuit International, Europe's leading private label biscuit and bread substitute manufacturer, with a rich heritage of over 400 years of expertise in delivering excellent taste at great value.

We are seeking an experienced Production & Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the safe, efficient and high‑performing delivery of manufacturing operations at our Gateshead site.

Reporting to the Operations Director, this senior role is responsible for production performance, people leadership and the delivery of a structured Continuous Improvement (CI) programme. The role leads and coaches Shift Managers, drives operational consistency, and embeds data‑driven CI methodologies to deliver sustainable improvements in productivity, quality, cost and service.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong operational credibility, proven CI experience and the ability to influence and develop leaders in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead delivery of the production plan, ensuring On Time In Full (OTIF) performance

· Ensure manufacturing operations meet safety, quality, cost and efficiency targets

· Provide clear direction, coaching and challenge to Shift Managers

· Own daily operational governance including performance reviews, SIC, RCA and escalation processes

· Ensure standardised ways of working are applied consistently across all shifts

· Work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Hygiene to remove barriers to performance

· Own and lead the site Production Continuous Improvement agenda

· Productivity and labour efficiency

· Waste reduction (material, time, energy)

· Cost optimisation

· Quality and right‑first‑time performance

· Apply structured CI methodologies such as Lean, SMED, Kaizen, 5S, RCA, A3 and DMAIC

· Establish and manage a CI pipeline with clear benefits tracking and sustainability plans

· Use operational data and analytics to drive decision‑making and improvement prioritisation

· Embed CI into daily operations rather than standalone projects

· Lead, coach and develop first‑ and second‑line leaders

· Build CI capability through coaching and mentoring

· Support succession planning and leadership development across Production

· Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous learning

· Champion a strong health, safety and wellbeing culture

· Ensure compliance with Food Safety, GMP, Quality Management Systems and customer standards

· Always maintain audit readiness

· Drive a right‑first‑time culture to reduce rework, waste and customer complaints

Skills & Experience:

· Proven leadership experience in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment

· Demonstrable experience delivering Continuous Improvement initiatives with measurable results

· Experience leading and coaching first‑ and second‑line managers

· Strong understanding of production KPIs (OTIF, OEE, waste, cost, productivity)

· Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

· Ability to influence, challenge and engage teams at all levels

· Formal CI qualification (e.g. Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt)

· Experience implementing CI systems at scale

· IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent

· Experience supporting CapEx, automation or process improvement projects

Why Join us?

At Biscuit International UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Our team is dedicated to producing high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that values collaboration and excellence.

In our hiring practices, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and success. We adhere to fair hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their background.

We are committed to protecting your personal data. Details of how we collect, use and store personal information during the recruitment process are set out in our Job Applicants’ Privacy Notice, available here: https://www.biscuitinternational.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Job-Applicants-Privacy-Notice_UK.pdf.