Continuous Improvement Specialist, Ornua Co-operative

Review: Continuous Improvement Specialist at Ornua (Foods UK, Leek)

This opportunity for a Continuous Improvement Specialist at Ornua, a leading Irish dairy exporter, presents a compelling proposition for driven professionals looking to make a significant impact in a values-led, global organization. For those passionate about optimizing operations, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence, this role offers a rewarding career path.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact & Ownership: You will be at the forefront of driving high-impact, cross-functional improvement initiatives that directly influence site performance, cost optimization, and strategic priorities. This role offers full accountability for scoping, planning, and executing projects, ensuring tangible and sustained business value.
• Financial Impact: The role is directly linked to delivering measurable business impact, with specific targets for yield optimization (£2 million) and procurement cost reductions (£6 million spend). This provides a clear demonstration of the value you will bring to the organization.
• Professional Development & Exposure: As the deputy to the CI Controller, you will gain invaluable experience in shaping the future of Continuous Improvement within Ornua. This includes attending key meetings and contributing to the site's CI roadmap. Furthermore, Ornua emphasizes investing in its people with a culture of continuous learning and opportunities for career progression, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Ornua offers a generous package including a matched pension scheme, a substantial holiday allowance that grows with service, a subsidized staff canteen, discounts on Ornua products and through a bike and tech scheme, and a confidential employee assistance program. Onsite parking also adds to the convenience.
• Empowering Culture: Ornua fosters a collaborative and engaging environment where employees are encouraged to seek and embrace new ideas, make things happen, and work together. The company values diversity and inclusion, actively welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds and encouraging underrepresented groups in manufacturing to apply.
• Global Reach & Brand Recognition: Being part of Ornua means contributing to a company with a global footprint, marketing well-known consumer brands like Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice. This provides exposure to international operations and diverse markets.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Data-Driven Approach: A strong analytical mindset and the ability to work with and collate data to drive actions and build consensus are crucial. You will be expected to leverage data-driven insights to influence senior leadership and secure alignment on improvement priorities.
• Lean & Operational Excellence Expertise: A solid foundation in Lean and Operational Excellence principles, including tools like OEE, SMED, VSM, 5S, and Standard Work, is essential. The ability to adapt and refine these frameworks for a complex manufacturing environment is key.
• Influence and Collaboration: This role requires strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence, and mentor colleagues at all levels. You will be responsible for developing site-wide capability through coaching and upskilling.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Candidates should be comfortable challenging the status quo and bringing fresh thinking to operational challenges. You will be instrumental in identifying opportunities and driving transformation.
• People Management Experience: Experience in people management is highlighted as essential for engaging with team members and driving the business culture forward.

In Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Specialist role at Ornua offers an exceptional opportunity for ambitious individuals to grow their careers within a respected, global organization. If you are a proactive, data-driven problem-solver with a passion for operational excellence and a desire to make a tangible impact, this position aligns perfectly with a fulfilling and progressive career trajectory.