Job Description

Job Purpose

The Optimisation Engineer is responsible for improving the efficiency, reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of production processes within White Rabbit's Chalgrove Bakery near Oxford. This role focuses on data-driven continuous improvement, reducing waste and downtime, increasing throughput, and ensuring all improvements meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Performance Optimisation

Analyse production data (OEE, downtime, yield, waste, energy use) to identify improvement opportunities Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to increase line efficiency and capacity Optimise production processes to reduce waste, rework, and cost while maintaining product quality Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies

Engineering & Technical Support

Work with production and engineering teams to reduce breakdowns and improve equipment reliability Support root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring production and quality issues Assist in commissioning, validation, and optimisation of new equipment and process changes Ensure process changes comply with food safety, hygiene, and regulatory requirements

Continuous Improvement & Projects

Lead or support CI projects from concept through implementation and validation Play a pivotal role in the critical project to expand capacity at the Chalgrove Bakery, including leading evaluation of in-line freezing Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best-practice process documentation in line with these projects Deliver training to operators and engineers on new processes or improvements Track and report performance improvements and savings against agreed targets, specifically high Return-On-Investment automation projects and energy reduction projects on the oven and blast freezer

Collaboration & Communication

Work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Technical, Engineering and Supply Chain teams Communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders Support a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence on site

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

OEE improvement Waste and yield reduction Downtime reduction Cost savings delivered Compliance with food safety and quality standards

Skills & Experience

Essential

Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Chemical, or similar) Experience in a food or FMCG manufacturing environment - minimum two years Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production equipment Experience with data analysis and performance metrics (e.g. OEE, SPC) Ability to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages Knowledge of Lean manufacturing / continuous improvement tools Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Desirable

Six Sigma Green Belt or higher Advanced Excel skills, including Power BI Experience of working on process improvements in temperature-controlled environments in the food industry Experience with automation, PLCs, or process control systems Knowledge of food safety standards (BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000) Project management experience

Personal Attributes

Proactive and results-driven Strong attention to detail Flexibility to adapt to requirements of a fast-moving food manufacturer Ability to influence and engage shop-floor teams Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Working Conditions

Factory-based role with regular time spent on the production floor
May involve shift cover or flexibility during improvement projects

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 10/01/2026
Expected start date: 14/01/2026