Graduate Scheme - Operational Excellence

Weetabix; Burton Latimer; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Graduate Trainee in Operational Excellence to support daily operations, optimize production processes, and enhance performance using methodologies like Six Sigma and Kaizen. Candidates should have a degree in an Engineering or Operations discipline, show a passion for the food manufacturing industry, and have the right to work in the UK. The role includes benefits such as an annual bonus and healthcare plan, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Double matched ER contributed pension scheme

Healthcare plan

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• Degree achieved or expected to achieve a 2:1 (Hons).
• Must have a right to work in the UK that is not time limited.
• Genuine passion for the food manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimise daily operations and scheduling.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and CI programs.
• Track KPIs like downtime and generate performance reports.
• Conduct root cause analysis and propose corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Engineering or Operations discipline

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S Methodologies

Job description

We are not supporting candidates who require sponsorship for this position.

We utilise our Preferred Agency Supplier Partners as and when we require additional support.

At Weetabix, we believe that diverse teams drive better ideas, stronger decisions, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. We’re committed to building an organisation where people from all walks of life feel they belong—where different voices, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected.

We're always looking to connect with talented individuals who can help shape the future of our business.

The Process

Step 1: Apply via our Careers Website. A video submission will form part of your application, this is a chance for you to bring your CV to life!

Step 2: If your application is successful, you will be invited for a 1st Stage Virtual Interview from the week commencing 3rd February.

Step 3: Successful candidates from the virtual interview stage will then be invited to attend a Graduate Assessment centre at the Weetabix Burton Latimer site on the 25th and 26th February 2026. Applicants significantly outside of the Burton Latimer area will have Hotel and Dinner costs paid for ahead of the first assessment day.

Step 4: Successful candidates will join Weetabix on the Graduate Scheme in September 2026.

The Recipe!

The Graduate Trainee – Operational Excellence, will play a key role in helping us run our operational processes smoothly and find ways to make them even better within the FMCG business. This position is all about boosting production efficiency, optimising processes, and enhancing performance while keeping our factories and systems running effortlessly. As a trainee, you will get to engage in exciting projects designed to foster operational excellence and meet our goals for cost, quality, and delivery.

Operational Process Support:

• Monitor and optimise daily operations, including scheduling and resource planning.
• Analyse performance and identify process improvement opportunities.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and CI programs to enhance efficiency.
• Implement process improvements using Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies.
• Evaluate improvement impacts and suggest adjustments.

Engineering Reliability:

• Helping our factories and processes deliver flawlessly.
• Improving equipment reliability and leaning into deep problem-solving.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track KPIs like downtime and OEE.
• Generate performance reports to identify trends and improvement areas.
• Support warehouse operations and inventory accuracy.

Process Mapping and Standardisation:

• Document workflows and develop SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with operational and quality standards.

Problem-Solving and Root Cause Analysis:

• Conduct root cause analysis and propose corrective actions.
• Utilise tools like Fishbone Diagrams and Pareto Analysis.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with various teams to align operational and business objectives.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects to improve efficiency.

Requirements

• A Degree in an Engineering or Operations discipline - Achieved or expected to achieve a 2:1 (Hons)
• Must have a right to work in the UK that is not time limited
• A want to build a career in the Food Manufacturing Industry
• Align with our Weetabix Ways Of Working, but most importantly we are looking for candidates who are excited about working with us, and show a genuine passion for the role and their career!

Benefits

Competitive Salary & Annual Flexible benefits including:

• Annual bonus
• Double matched ER contributed pension scheme
• Annual Salary review
• Healthcare plan
• Access to 24/7 counseling service (in partnership with Grocery Aid)
• Relocation allowance

Check out our website for more information: https://weetabixfoodcompany.co.uk/careers/

Please Note: Our company policy is not to advertise salaries as we want to benchmark all candidates based on skills and experience that need to be evidenced upon application and screening.

#HaveYouHadYourWeetabix