Operations - OBP Lead

🔥 About the Role:

We are looking for a passionate and proactive OBP Lead to drive strategic, site-wide operational excellence initiatives. This role is responsible for leading lean and efficiency projects across manufacturing and support functions, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, and embedding best practice standards that support sustainable business performance and growth.

🎯 To Be Successful, You Will Be:

• Confident and collaborative leader who motivates others through clear vision and engagement.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a commitment to data-driven decision making.

• Able to balance short-term demands with long-term improvement goals.

• Thrives in a dynamic environment and adapts quickly to evolving business needs.

• A natural problem solver with an eye for identifying value and driving tangible improvements.

• Demonstrates initiative, personal accountability, and a passion for operational excellence.

🚀 This is What You’ll Actually Do!

• Lead and deliver group-standardised lean, Operating Best Practice (OBP), and Practical Process Improvement (PPI) training to build in-house continuous improvement capability.
• Drive operational excellence by coordinating cross-functional CI projects that improve efficiency in labour, materials, and overheads.
• Embed a high-performance, decision-making culture at all levels to accelerate problem-solving and increase organisational agility.
• Interface with internal customers and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities based on lean thinking.
• Lead and facilitate deployment of MARA (Finsbury’s management system), ensuring alignment across all site functions.
• Support the implementation and sustainability of Asset Care (TPM), in collaboration with Engineering and Operations.
• Implement and streamline processes via “Process Blueprint” (Leader Standard Work) to improve quality, customer satisfaction, and operational KPIs.
• Lead structured problem-solving sessions and ensure the consistent capture, sharing, and application of best practices across sites via FFG workplace forums.
• Prepare and present OBP updates and reports to senior stakeholders and business forums.
• Model and champion FFG’s core values and behaviours in all interactions, actively encouraging others to do the same.
• Facilitate CI workshops and training sessions to upskill teams and embed LEAN principles.
• Drive performance improvements across safety, quality, service, cost, and people metrics.
• Actively lead and track the successful delivery of CI projects—on time, within budget, and with full compliance.
• Act as a change agent, driving an action-oriented mindset across the site.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and support teams to identify process bottlenecks and drive efficiencies.
• Share learnings and replicate best practices across the Finsbury Food Group.
• Conduct accurate risk assessments and implement controls to ensure safe project delivery.
• Promote strong internal and external partnerships to support business objectives and project integration.

✅ Ideally, This is You!

Essential:

• Proven experience in continuous/process improvement within a manufacturing environment.

• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and successfully delivering change initiatives.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly organised in approach.

• Self-starter with strong prioritisation skills and ability to work under own initiative.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Full driver’s license and ability to travel without restriction.

Desirable:

• CI experience within the food manufacturing or FMCG sector.

• Background in the implementation of lean structures and tools.

• Familiarity with bakery processes and food production environments.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma/SPC techniques in process manufacturing.

• Degree or HND in Food Science, Engineering, or related discipline.

• Hands-on experience with product and process optimisation.