Senior Process Engineer

pladis Global; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

pladis Global in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Process Engineer - Process Excellence to lead hands-on process improvements across R&D and manufacturing. You will run trials, analyze data, and deliver productivity gains through Lean Six Sigma and robust trial design.

Reporting to the Director of Process Excellence, you will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver measurable improvements and support new machinery and technology implementations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or related technical discipline.
• Experience in process engineering, process improvement or technical trials in manufacturing or R&D.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, SPC, root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate trials into recommendations.
• Experience supporting process optimisation and productivity initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, run and evaluate process trials for new products, processes and machinery.
• Apply root-cause analysis to identify true causes of inefficiencies and variation.
• Develop and implement optimisation plans to improve quality, efficiency and capacity.
• Establish KPIs and SPC measures to monitor process capability.
• Support equipment selection and plant trials to enable new technology.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

SPC

DOE

Job description

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact

What will this role achieve?

The Senior Process Engineer - Process Excellence will play a hands-on role in improving process performance, running technical trials and delivering practical productivity improvements across R&D and manufacturing. Reporting to the Director of Process Excellence, this role will use Lean Six Sigma, statistical process control, root cause analysis and robust trial design to solve process challenges, reduce waste and support the successful introduction of new machinery, processes and technologies.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Process analysis and trials: Plan, run and evaluate process trials for new products, processes, machinery and technology, using data to assess performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Root cause analysis: Apply tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams and data review to identify the true causes of process inefficiencies, defects and variation.
• Process optimisation: Develop and implement practical optimisation plans that improve quality, efficiency, capacity, cost and consistency.
• SPC and performance monitoring: Establish and maintain KPIs and statistical process control measures to track process capability and sustain improvements.
• Waste reduction: Identify and reduce waste across the seven key areas: overproduction, waiting, transport, extra processing, inventory, motion and defects.
• Asset and technology input: Provide process expertise into the selection, purchase and implementation of new equipment, ensuring solutions support productivity, quality and operational needs.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain and R&D teams to align plans, share best practice and deliver improvements effectively.
• Strategic productivity support: Contribute to wider productivity programmes by providing robust technical input, trial data and clear recommendations.

Bring your experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in process engineering, process improvement or technical trials within a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Good working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, SPC, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to turn trial outcomes into clear recommendations.
• Experience supporting process optimisation, waste reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and influence stakeholders through evidence-based technical input.
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain technical findings in a practical and accessible way.

Desirable

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in food, bakery, snacking or FMCG manufacturing environments.
• Experience designing and running DOE activity to optimise machinery settings or process parameters.
• Practical experience contributing to equipment selection, line trials, commissioning or new technology implementation.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, quality or process capability.

Our Values

Purpose led - We're energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite

Agile - We're ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive - We're highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better

Resilient - We're persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward

Collaborative - We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together

Best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we're a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that's as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.