Position Title: Engineering Manufacturing Lead
Duration: 6 Months Contract
Location: Chirk, Wales
About the Role:
- Our Client are seeking an experienced and driven Engineering Lead to oversee all engineering operations within our manufacturing process plant.
- This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, implementing lean manufacturing techniques, and transforming our maintenance strategy from a reactive model to a robust preventative and predictive maintenance programme.
- The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team and play a central role in improving plant reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
Engineering Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance professionals across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation disciplines.
- Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular reviews, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Manage resource planning, shift coverage, and skills development to ensure optimal team capability.
- Act as the senior technical authority on-site, providing guidance on complex engineering challenges.
Lean Manufacturing Implementation
- Champion the adoption and embedding of lean manufacturing principles across all engineering and maintenance activities.
- Lead the implementation of lean tools and methodologies including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Identify and eliminate waste in engineering processes, reducing downtime, material costs, and inefficiencies.
- Establish and track KPIs aligned with lean objectives: GE (Global Efficiency inc. OEE), MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and MTTR (Mean Time to Repair).
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops and training sessions to build lean capability across the wider plant team.
Plant Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Own the plant's asset management strategy, ensuring long-term reliability and lifecycle cost optimisation.
- Lead failure investigations and root cause analyses for significant breakdowns, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Drive capital expenditure (CapEx) projects for equipment upgrades, replacements, and process improvements.
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Health & Safety, and Supply Chain teams to align engineering priorities with business objectives.
Compliance, Safety & Standards
- Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and industry standards.
- Maintain up-to-date documentation including P&IDs, SOPs, risk assessments, and equipment records.
- Support internal and external audits and ensure engineering readiness at all times.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- A high level of experience in an engineering or maintenance leadership role within a manufacturing or process plant environment.
- Food industry experience is advantageous but not essential
- Proven track record of implementing lean manufacturing techniques (e.g., TPM, 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
- Demonstrated experience in transitioning maintenance strategies from reactive to preventative/predictive models.
- Strong knowledge of CMMS platforms (ideally., SAP).
- Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams in a 24/7 operational environment.
- Solid understanding of health and safety legislation and regulatory compliance in a manufacturing setting.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Degree (or equivalent) in related Engineering field
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
- Experience with predictive maintenance technologies (vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasonic testing).
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, including IoT-enabled monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Engineering Manufacturing Lead in Chirk employer: Contechs Consulting
As a Business Operations Coordinator in Dunton, Essex, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. Our company offers competitive hourly rates, a supportive work culture, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that you can thrive in your role while contributing to meaningful projects. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manufacturing Lead in Chirk
✨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 Contechs Consulting, 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 Contechs Consulting 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 Contechs Consulting
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Contechs Consulting, 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 Contechs Consulting 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.