Job Title: Process Development Manager (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)
Location: Aintree, UK
Type: Full-time, Temporary
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits

iO Associates are seeking a skilled Process Development Manager to join a leading food manufacturing company for a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering maternity leave. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead impactful projects and play a key role in driving technical excellence within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

About the Role:

As Process Development Manager, you will lead key projects supporting new product development (NPD), value improvement (VI), and continuous improvement initiatives. Your role will involve managing technical processes, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and implementing lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
You will also lead factory trials, standardize plant methods, and develop process specifications to ensure products meet the highest quality standards. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you'll provide technical support and drive innovation to help the company maintain its competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead process development projects, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of NPD and manufacturing changes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process consistency, efficiency, and product quality.
Execute and manage factory trials for process-related projects, applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools.
Ensure compliance with health and safety laws (e.g., COSHH, HACCP) during all trials and activities.
Develop and maintain process and product specifications for the site's product range.
Work collaboratively with the technical team to support operational excellence and world-class manufacturing standards.

What We're Looking For:

Essential:
- HND qualification (or similar) in Food, Science, Manufacturing, or Engineering.
- Hands-on technical knowledge of process development in a food or baking manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of ingredients and their functionality.
- Significant experience applying Lean Sigma methodology to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proven success in implementing change projects in a manufacturing setting.
- Teamwork and project management experience in cross-functional environments.
Desirable:
- Degree-level qualification in Food, Science, Manufacturing, or Engineering.
- Formal business qualification (e.g., MBA).
- Six Sigma or Lean Sigma training.
- Experience in a technical role within a blue-chip FMCG company.

What's on Offer:

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) bonus scheme.
Private medical insurance and health cash plans.
Stakeholder pension scheme with life assurance.
25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with a holiday enhancement scheme.
Cycle-to-work scheme and volunteering day.
Discounts and cashback on major high-street brands and services.
Access to training, development, and financial wellbeing support programs.

Why Join?

This is your opportunity to work with an industry leader dedicated to delivering happiness with every bite. Join a company that values purpose, agility, collaboration, resilience, and positivity while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

How to Apply:

If you're an experienced process development professional ready to take on this exciting challenge, we'd love to hear from you!

Don't hesitate to get in touch by clicking the link below and applying today!