At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major expansion project in energy generation, driving automation and productivity improvements.
- Company: A leading UK advanced manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of engineering.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and collaborate across functions for operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-performance environment and lead transformational change.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a degree in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
- Project Director
- Exeter
- Excellent salary
The role
Our is a major UK advanced manufacturing organisation that is undertaking a significant growth programme within its critical energy generation equipment division — and we’re hiring a Project Director to drive one of the most strategically important expansion projects in the business.
This is a senior, high‑impact role leading the full lifecycle of a major operational expansion programme, working closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to deliver transformational improvements across automation, productivity, and manufacturing capability.
If you’re an experienced project leader with deep manufacturing expertise and a passion for operational excellence, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a high‑performance engineering environment.
- What You’ll Lead
- Own and deliver the full expansion project for the critical energy generation equipment segment at the Exeter site.
- Develop operational plans aligned with customer expectations, business goals, and annual KPIs.
- Lead automation initiatives, departmental consolidation, and productivity improvements across multiple functions.
- Oversee daily–quarterly reporting to ensure visibility of operational performance.
- Drive improvements in labour utilisation, quality, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Manage complex manufacturing projects from concept through qualification and training.
- Meet financial objectives through effective budgeting, variance analysis, and corrective action planning.
- Leadership
- Lead and mentor a project team, building a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain strong relationships across engineering, manufacturing, commercial, scheduling, and quality teams.
- Ensure programme goals, scope, and deliverables are clearly defined and communicated.
- Track actions, risks, and progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
- Resolve cross‑functional disconnects and drive alignment across the organisation.
- Conduct programme reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
Skills needed
Essential
- Minimum 15 years’ experience in manufacturing, including operational leadership.
- Proven experience leading large‑scale CAPEX projects.
- Strong background in aerospace, metals, or complex manufacturing environments.
- Excellent analytical capability and deep understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, and team leadership skills.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office and data‑driven tools.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (accredited university).
- Preferred
- Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen experience.
- Demonstrated success driving automation and operational excellence.
- Experience working in matrix organisations.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to lead technical teams and influence at all levels.
Project Director in Plymouth employer: Green Folk
As a leading advanced manufacturing organisation based in Exeter, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and operational excellence. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive growth opportunities, and the chance to lead transformative projects that shape the future of energy generation. Join us to be part of a collaborative team where your expertise will drive significant advancements in manufacturing capabilities and automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director in Plymouth
✨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 Green Folk, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director in Plymouth
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 Green Folk 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 Green Folk
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Green Folk, 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 Green Folk 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.
