NPI Lead Engineer in Dudley

Lead the Future of Innovation as a Fluids New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead in Liverpool (Hybrid). Are you an experienced engineering leader with a passion for automation, process design and manufacturing innovation? Do you have the ability to translate new product requirements into safe, efficient and scalable manufacturing solutions?

If you thrive on designing processes, implementing automation and leading successful product introductions within a chemical manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

As our Fluids New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead, you will lead the introduction of new fluid manufacturing processes, ensuring products move successfully from development through to full-scale commercial production. This role sits at the intersection of chemical manufacturing, automation and engineering innovation. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities where automation, equipment design and process improvements can enhance manufacturing capability, improve efficiency and ensure robust production outcomes.

You do not need to be a chemist or understand the science behind chemical formulations and reactions. However, you will need a strong understanding of working safely within a chemical manufacturing environment, including the risks associated with chemicals, process hazards, compliance requirements and the controls needed to deliver safe and reliable manufacturing processes.

Working closely with Engineering, Operations, R&D, Procurement, Quality and suppliers, you will ensure new products are introduced safely, efficiently and in line with business, customer and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the successful introduction of new fluid manufacturing processes from development through to commercial production.
• Designing and implementing automation solutions that enable safe, repeatable and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve production capability through equipment design, process automation and technology improvements.
• Working with engineering teams to define, develop and implement manufacturing solutions that meet product, quality and operational requirements.
• Ensuring chemical and process safety risks are understood, assessed and effectively controlled throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Supporting process design activities, including equipment selection, automation strategy and manufacturing process definition.
• Ensuring NPI projects are delivered in line with compliance, quality standards, validation requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Managing product readiness activities, ensuring processes, equipment and systems are fully prepared for production launch.
• Collaborating with R&D, Operations, Engineering and suppliers to successfully scale processes from development into manufacturing.
• Driving Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles.
• Using manufacturing data, ERP, PLM and MES systems to support robust process control and product introduction.
• Coaching, developing and motivating your team to achieve outstanding results.
• Promoting a strong culture of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ).

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 18 months you'll:

• Successfully lead the delivery of new fluid manufacturing processes into production.
• Implement automation solutions that improve safety, quality, efficiency and scalability.
• Establish robust NPI processes that ensure products transition smoothly from development into manufacture.
• Improve manufacturing capability through innovative engineering solutions.
• Ensure all new processes are introduced safely and compliantly within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Become the technical leader connecting automation, process engineering and manufacturing excellence.

About You

You'll be an experienced engineering professional with a blend of automation, manufacturing and process engineering expertise. You'll bring:

• Experience designing, developing or implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with manufacturing processes, equipment design or process improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of chemical manufacturing environments and the importance of managing chemical hazards safely.
• Experience applying risk assessments, safety controls and compliance requirements within industrial processes.
• Proven experience taking new processes, equipment or products from concept through to production.
• Ability to identify manufacturing challenges and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Strong understanding of process optimisation, automation, control systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality and R&D.
• Strong project management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety, quality, reliability and efficiency.
• Experience within chemical manufacturing, fluids processing, coatings, inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, speciality chemicals or similar process industries would be highly advantageous.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just another engineering leadership role. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead the development of next-generation manufacturing capability.
• Design and implement automation solutions that transform production processes.
• Influence how products are introduced and manufactured across the business.
• Work with talented multidisciplinary teams across Engineering, R&D and Operations.
• Drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Make a lasting impact on safe and scalable manufacturing.

A comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, lifestyle and future:

• 25 days' basic holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Life insurance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Green car scheme.
• Pension scheme, starting with an 8% employer contribution.

If you're ready to combine automation expertise, engineering leadership and chemical manufacturing experience to deliver innovative production solutions safely and efficiently, we'd love to hear from you.