Altro are looking for a Lead Engineer - Recycling & Circular Manufacturing to play a pivotal role in shaping how materials are recovered, recycled and reused across our product portfolio.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced engineer who is passionate about sustainability, recycling technologies and the circular economy to make a real impact on both our business and the environment.
This is much more than a recycling role.
You’ll be responsible for developing Altro's future recycling and circular manufacturing capability, identifying practical ways to recover value from production waste, process scrap, returned materials and potentially end-of-life products. You’ll assess emerging recycling technologies, work with external partners and research organisations, and lead technical studies that influence major investment and sustainability decisions.
The successful candidate will become the technical expert for recycling and circular manufacturing within the business, helping to define the strategies, technologies and partnerships that support our long-term sustainability goals.
This exciting new role is a permanent, hybrid working position (3 days a week in our Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire head office) with regular travel globally (estimated to be once every 6 weeks or so).
Please note, you must have right to work in the UK to be considered for this opportunity.
So, what will you be doing?
- Developing and maintaining Altro's technical roadmap for recycling and circular manufacturing.
- Identifying opportunities to recover, process and reuse materials from waste streams across our flooring and walling products.
- Leading feasibility studies, proof-of-concept projects and external recycling trials.
- Assessing recycling technologies, equipment and processing routes to determine technical and commercial viability.
- Defining recycled material specifications, usage limits and quality requirements.
- Working closely with manufacturing, product development, sustainability, procurement and engineering teams.
- Building partnerships with recyclers, equipment suppliers, universities and research organisations.
- Providing evidence-based recommendations on investment opportunities, technical feasibility, risks and business value.
- Supporting the development of future recycling infrastructure, processes and equipment capability.
What experience and skills are we looking for?
We're seeking an experienced engineer who can combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and a genuine passion for sustainability.
You’ll likely have a degree, or equivalent experience, in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Recycling Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Or a related engineering discipline.
You’ll also bring experience in several of the following areas:
- Recycling technologies and material recovery processes
- Manufacturing or process engineering
- Materials engineering
- Waste management and resource recovery
- Process development and optimisation
- Sustainability or circular economy initiatives
- Technical feasibility studies
- Supplier assessment and technology evaluation
- Developing technical roadmaps
- Building investment recommendations and business cases
- Leading cross-functional technical projects.
As well as an exciting opportunity and competitive salary, what do we have to offer?
- Private medical cover via our supplier BUPA
- Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, with the option to buy more
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Life assurance from day one
- Occupational Sick Pay and onsite Occupational Health Service
- Confidential 24-hour life management and personal support service for you and your family
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including Maternity, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave
- Free eye tests for all employees
- A paid day off each year for volunteering
- Free car parking at all our sites
- Long service awards
- Learning and Development support, regardless of your career stage
- Various social events, including the company Christmas party
- Retirement advice and support
So who are Altro?
A leading European manufacturer and supplier of premium flooring and wall cladding systems for Healthcare, construction and transport. We have been going strong since 1919. Family owned and run, we share family values; we care about you, each other and what we do.
Everyone is welcome at Altro for who they are, no matter what their background is or how they identify. We appreciate that everyone is different and with that diverse uniqueness we can all thrive. “We don’t want you to just work here. We want you to belong here.”
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Lead Engineer - Recycling & Circular Manufacturing in Letchworth employer: Altro Limited
Altro Limited is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for an Inventory Planner to thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer numerous opportunities for professional advancement while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to optimising stock across international operations not only enhances your career but also contributes to meaningful global supply chain improvements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Recycling & Circular Manufacturing in Letchworth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Altro Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Altro Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altro Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Altro Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Altro Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
