Whitworths Ltd
CI SPECIALIST

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Irthlingborough
All Locations is a required fieldPermanent full timeNot SpecifiedOperations
About The Role
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Whitworths Ltd | Irthlingborough | Days | 36.25 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Do you see opportunities where others see obstacles? Are you energised by solving problems, improving processes and helping people perform at their best?
We’re looking for a hands-on Continuous Improvement Specialist to turn ideas and operational data into meaningful, lasting improvements across our manufacturing operation. From reducing waste and improving productivity to coaching teams and strengthening everyday standards, you’ll help us make our processes safer, smarter and more effective.
The role
Working closely with colleagues across Operations and the wider business, you will:
- Lead and support continuous improvement projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery and colleague engagement.
- Analyse performance data to identify opportunities, understand root causes and develop practical action plans.
- Coach and upskill colleagues in continuous improvement tools, techniques and ways of working.
- Facilitate improvement activities, including waste reviews, Gemba walks and team meetings.
- Support the development of clear training materials, standards and operating procedures.
- Monitor improvement plans, audit CI processes and keep performance measures and communication boards up to date.
- Work collaboratively on customer trials, new product launches and external audits.
- Provide occasional support to Front Line Managers when required.
What you’ll bring
You don’t need to know everything on day one. We’re interested in your practical experience, your approach to problem-solving and your ability to bring people with you.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You’ll Ideally Have
- At least three years’ experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience of applying continuous improvement methods and delivering measurable change.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Confidence using data to identify trends, priorities and opportunities.
- The ability to plan and manage projects from idea through to delivery.
- A collaborative coaching style that helps others build confidence and capability.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people at all levels.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience of operational or ERP systems.
- GCSEs, or equivalent experience, in English and Maths.
Food manufacturing or packaging experience would be helpful, but we also welcome applicants who can bring relevant skills from other manufacturing environments.
What makes you a great fit?
You’ll be curious, practical and comfortable asking why. You’ll balance attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture, take ownership of your work and keep momentum when priorities change.
Most importantly, you’ll bring our STAR values to life:
- Solutions – focusing on what can be improved and how we make it happen.
- Teamwork – working across teams to achieve the best result.
- Accountability – taking ownership and delivering on your commitments.
- Respect – listening to others, valuing different perspectives and helping people grow.
Why Whitworths?
This is an opportunity to make a visible impact in a fast-paced food manufacturing business, develop your CI expertise and build experience that could support future progression into Continuous Improvement, Quality or Operational management.
Everyone is welcome


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We want Whitworths to be a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and able to contribute. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you’re excited about the role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we would still encourage you to apply.
About You
About Us
We’re on an exciting mission here at Whitworths – to help boost the nutrient intake of the nation, improving general health of families using the goodness found in our delicious products. We’re the only brand that gives a credibly nutritious boost to breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, baking and beyond.
There are obviously many other reasons to come and work with us, but the biggest reason is so that you have a job you love and a company you are proud to say you work for. You will receive a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, a workplace pension, and in addition, you’ll also have access to a number of family friendly, health and lifestyle benefits. Culturally, we believe strongly in investing in our people, developing them in role and developing their careers within Whitworths. Don't just take our word for it, our people say the same, as demonstrated by our recent accreditation from Investors In People.
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18 Sep 2026Not SpecifiedNot Specified
Irthlingborough
All Locations is a required fieldPermanent full timeNot SpecifiedOperations
03 Sep 2026Not SpecifiedNot Specified
Irthlingborough
All Locations is a required fieldPermanent full timeNot SpecifiedOperations
18 Sep 2026Not SpecifiedNot Specified
Irthlingborough
All Locations is a required fieldPermanent full timeNot SpecifiedOperations
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