Deco/Printer Start-Up Leader (Can Manufacturing) in Luton

Working as part of a team of process experts, the role will have responsibility (predominantly) for New Build, New Line and Line Conversion start-up performance in all areas related to the Decorator/Printer. Responsibility will predominantly be driven by achieving Efficiency, Quality, Spoilage and Environmental compliance in the first instance, with secondary responsibility for other KPIs such as Material usages, Production Supplies & Utilities usage appropriate to the area of expertise.

Essential Responsible Areas

• Champion a “safety-first” culture, demonstrating safe work practices, ensuring equipment meets all compliance requirements, and coaching new team members to consistently follow safety expectations.
• Lead equipment start-up and ramp-up, providing hands‑on technical support during installation, setup, commissioning, and early production to ensure equipment meets design and performance specifications.
• Serve as the on-site operational Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned process areas, applying advanced technical knowledge to guide the line toward stable, reliable, and high‑performance operation.
• Deliver structured training to plant teams, providing approximately 80% on‑the‑job (OJT) instruction and 20% classroom‑based learning to develop operator and mechanic capability in operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality practices.
• Provide real‑time troubleshooting and problem resolution throughout start-up, diagnosing mechanical, chemical, and process issues to stabilise production quickly and develop line awareness within the plant team.
• Support and participate in root cause analysis, applying structured problem‑solving techniques to eliminate recurring issues and strengthen long‑term reliability.
• Validate SOPs, work instructions, and training materials, ensuring they accurately reflect new equipment requirements, start‑up conditions, and best operating practices.
• Promote food safety, sanitation, and housekeeping discipline, ensuring all startup activities and equipment meet regulatory and internal compliance standards.
• Assist with parts, tooling, and material readiness, verifying availability of critical start‑up resources and identifying ongoing operational needs early.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to transition the line from start‑up to steady‑state operations once defined performance targets are achieved.
• Capture, document, and communicate lessons learned to contribute best practices for future builds and continuous improvement across the network.
• Achieve Efficiency and Spoilage targets for all New Builds, New Lines, and Line Conversions in alignment with approved start‑up curves.
• Operate as part of a unified Start‑Up Team, taking shared responsibility for overall start‑up success while leading the assigned process area.
• Train and develop site personnel at recruitment and during start‑up to build sustainable process understanding, performance capability, and autonomous operation.
• Provide emergency breakdown support to reduce downtime and restore operations quickly during the critical start‑up phase.
• Support size conversions, ensuring local teams are capable of executing safe, efficient, and repeatable changeovers.
• Identify, share, and implement best practices to enhance future start‑ups and optimise long‑term operational performance.
• Supports implementation of BOE standards to a level 3, associated with the assignment scope for all safety, quality, business management, and maintenance pillar elements.

Qualifications

• Electrical or Mechanical qualification / or Minimum 5 years experience on Concorde or Rutherford Deco/Printer in Can Manufacturing.
• Training / teaching qualification to minimum Train The Trainer.
• Strong knowledge of the full Can making process and subject expert in at least one specific area.
• Ability to transfer Can making process knowledge to others.
• Strong capability in equipment setup, troubleshooting, optimisation, and supporting line performance.
• Competent computer skills for data analysis and report writing.
• English communication skills (minimum communicative level).
• Preferred: Experience with line launches or rebuild projects.
• Ownership mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and waste reduction.
• Ability to mentor and develop less experienced team members.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to specifications.
• Effective communication across all departments and levels.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration mindset.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of operating in Can manufacturing.
• Has used basic Problem Solving techniques and the basics of Lean.
• Worked in cross‑cultural teams.

Ball Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, faith, ability, or orientation.