The APU Process Lead supports the delivery of Customer Supply performance objectives related to quality, environment, health and safety (QESH), cost management, engineering reliability, continuous improvement, and capability development. This role drives improvement activity, operational trials, and daily performance within the APU.
Key Responsibilities
QESH Leadership
Provide safety leadership to develop a zero lost-time injury culture.
Conduct or support safety investigations when required.
Cost Leadership
Support the APU Leader with financial governance and delivery of the APU Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities aligned with site objectives.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives, using lean tools to remove waste and improve efficiency.
Analyse performance data to optimise throughput, energy, and product quality.
Contribute to ideation sessions for cost-saving projects.
Share and implement best practices across APUs and sites.
Support capital projects within the APU, especially those under 100K.
Delivery Leadership
Oversee the process for quitting sugar silos and loading bulk customer tankers in line with the S&OP plan.
Lead or support planned and reactive stoppages in coordination with Engineering, including permit authorisations and contractor supervision.
Chair operational reviews and promote lean practices through tiered meetings and visual management.
Deliver on process reliability targets and lead Defect Elimination (DE) with support from CI.
Provide operational support to the Shift Performance Manager and APU team to meet objectives.
Act as deputy to the APU Leader and lead the APU in their absence.
People Leadership
Role model British Sugar's values and leadership behaviours.
Create a people development plan in line with APU goals.
Support autonomy within the team, enabling decision-making.
Act as a subject matter expert and coach for new starters, apprentices, graduates, and team members.
Lead direct reports with regular 1:1s and annual reviews to support development.
Provide development feedback to Shift Performance Managers.
Measures of Success
QESH
Achieve operational QESH targets set in business and personal objectives.
Cost
Deliver cost savings through PIP projects.
Develop a 5-year PIP roadmap.
Embed lean methodology as standard practice.
Delivery
Meet key performance targets for the APU.
People
Achieve 100% completion of the annual personal development process.
Implement and deliver the APU people development plan.
Scope
Line management responsibility for six operational roles and occasional agency staff.
Understands factory incident and crisis team protocols. May act as Factory Incident Controller.
May act as deputy to the Engineering Lead and APU Leader.
Decision Making
Acts as technical authority for APU processes, making decisions to minimise cost, maximise efficiency, and ensure product quality.
Participates in maintenance planning and prioritisation with Engineering.
Influences the APU operational and engineering budget.
Applies lean and continuous improvement tools to drive optimisation.
Provides weekend technical cover and operational steer for 24+ hour periods as needed.
Key Relationships
APU Leader and Process Leads
Engineering Leads and support teams
Technical support staff
Site General Manager
Central Planning team
Other Factors
Flexibility required due to the operational support nature of the role.
On-call advice and leadership cover responsibilities for APU Leader and Engineering Lead.
Person Profile
Key Competencies (British Sugar):
Drive and Accountability
Adaptive Thinking
Engaging Teams
Influencing
Liaising/Networking
Continuous Improvement through Creative Solutions
Focused Development
Commercial Acumen
Knowledge and Qualifications
(E = Essential, D = Desirable):
NEBOSH General Certificate (D)
Green Belt Lean Six Sigma (D)
Technical knowledge of large-scale factory operations (E)
Awareness of industrial hazards and controls (E)
Technical accounting understanding (E)
Diploma in Technical Operations (D)
HACCP Level 3 (D)
Extensive sugar or bulk loading process knowledge (D)
Experience:
Leading and developing high-performing teams (E)
Proven technical problem-solving and lean experience (E)
Cross-role and multi-site experience (D)
Skills and Abilities:
Strong communication across all business levels (E)
Proven team leadership and development skills (E)
Strategic and tactical thinking ability (E)
Strong analytical and project planning skills (E)
Knowledge of Lean tools and techniques (E)
Operational intuition and decision-making under pressure (E)
Potential to progress within the business (D)
Personal Qualities:
Credible and influential communicator
Passionate leader who motivates through challenge
Strong commitment to health and safety
Aligned with British Sugar values and leadership model
Daily commitment to continuous improvement
We are committed to creating an environment where all our people are treated with respect and given the opportunities to succeed. We want British Sugar to be a great, inclusive place to work for everyone.
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