CI Manager
Date: 29 May 2026
Location: Barnsley, GB
Company: Premier Foods
Based - Carlton, Barnsley, S71 3HF
Salary circa £60,000 + car allowance, bonus, private medical insurance
The Role
We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead and embed operational excellence across our Carlton site, the Home of Mr Kipling. Sitting on the site leadership team, this is a high-impact role where you’ll drive performance, shape strategy and build a culture of continuous improvement across all functions.
You’ll act as the CI expert and change agent, leading transformation through data, people development and strong cross-functional collaboration
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and deliver the site’s Operational Excellence / CI strategy
- Identify waste and performance gaps, driving improvement plans across the factory
- Own and deliver non-capex cost savings targets
- Champion robust problem-solving tools and methodologies across all levels
- Coach and develop teams—from shop floor to leadership—to build CI capability
- Drive digitalisation and smart factory initiatives
- Lead and develop a small team of CI specialists/change agents
- Play an active role in the site leadership team, influencing direction and performance
About You
- TPM/WCM trained or equivalent
- Proven background in Continuous Improvement within FMCG manufacturing
- Exceptional relationship builder with strong influencing and coaching skills, cross functionally and at all levels
- Natural analyst, able to turn data into insight and action
- Deep understanding of FMCG factory operations, waste and OEE
- Expert in leading, facilitating and problem-solving to root cause
- Passionate about (and demonstrable experience of) developing people and driving cultural change
- Lean Sigma certification (Yellow Belt or above) is desirable
Why Join Us?
At Premier Foods, we don’t just talk about continuous improvement—we live it. You’ll be part of a business where:
- You can challenge the status quo and think big
- Collaboration and inclusion drive better outcomes
- You’ll have real ownership to shape site performance
- Development and growth are genuinely supported
What we offer in return:
- Salary of circa £60,000 per annum
- Car allowance
- Bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Pension up to 7.5%
- Life assurance
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Sharesave scheme
At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.