Transformation Manager

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Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Transformation Manager to lead and oversee the transformation initiatives within our high care ready-to-eat food manufacturing company.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, without compromise to the required high standards of food safety and quality.
This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in food manufacturing, Lean/ Six Sigma, end-to-end cost savings (labour, material cost and overheads), project management, and change management.
The role will involve challenging ways of working and driving sustainable improvement across the supply chain which deliver tangible results.

• Lead process improvements, conduct lean training, and facilitate kaizen events - driving continuous improvement projects and activities.
• Lead and drive cross-functional teams in delivering cost outs (waste, yield, labour costs and overheads), delivering efficiency improvements, processes simplification, as well as standardising and facilitating efficiency for lean optimisation.
• Work with Engineering in coordinating cost reduction-based capital investment projects.
• Train team members on problem solving and Continuous Improvement tools and techniques.
• Coordinate NPD/ EPD meetings activities and actions to deliver successful launches.
To work with all key stakeholders to develop and maintain a positive Continuous Improvement culture
• You'll be joining a business with exciting growth plans
• You'll work in a fast-paced environment, with a fantastic team culture
• Staff discount for the Factory products as well as 50% staff discount across all Yo! Restaurants.

Preferred Experience

1. Proven experience in leading business transformation initiatives and Continuous Improvement strategies within FMCG environment.
2. Be passionate about and experienced in identifying and driving continuous improvement and work in partnership with our manufacturing and site teams,
3. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all organisational levels.
4. Have in-depth knowledge of multiple Lean / CI / OPEX tools and methodologies.
5. Track record of project managing performance improvement in fast moving, demand volatile, operational environments
6. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and performance optimization.
7. Proficiency in technology integration and change management methodologies.
8. Experience in end-to-end cost-out (value engineering and value analysis) initiatives.
9. Experience in coordinating and facilitating the NPD and EPD process with cross-functional teams to their successful launch.

Working Conditions:

1. This role may require occasional travel to other manufacturing sites.
2. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends as needed.

#LI

We're proud to offer:

• Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
• Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
• Discretionary Life Assurance
• Discretionary Income Protection
• Group Personal Pension
• Private Medical Cash Plan
• Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
• 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
• Contribute towards our award-winning sustainability initiatives that delivers progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We're committed to responsibly sourcing and all our seafood, therefore we only use source sustainable fish. All our packaging is recyclable and 80% of our packaging is already made from recycled plastic.
• Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success and offering winning Managers free trips to Japan.

About us:

Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across:

• Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento)
• Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre
• 63 YO! restaurants
• 50 major retail partners
• 3700 locations globally From Hawaii to Aberdeen

Our Values

• Own it, Care About it, Make it Exceptional, Win Together

Ready to Roll?

Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way...