Senior Process Engineer

pladis; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

pladis is seeking a Senior Process Engineer - Process Excellence to lead hands-on process improvements across R&D and manufacturing. You will apply Lean Six Sigma, SPC and robust trial design to reduce waste, improve quality and productivity, and support new machinery and technology introductions.

The role reports to the Director of Process Excellence and requires collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain and R&D teams to deliver measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, run and evaluate process trials for new products and technologies.
• Apply root cause analysis to identify inefficiencies, defects and variation.
• Develop and implement plans to improve quality, efficiency, capacity and cost.
• Establish KPIs and SPC measures to monitor process capability and improvements.
• Identify and reduce waste across seven waste categories.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

SPC

Root cause analysis

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or related technical discipline

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 wit