At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational excellence and lead continuous improvement projects in manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading global manufacturing organisation focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth potential across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on efficiency and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing improvement and knowledge of Lean methodologies required.
A leading manufacturing organisation with a strong international presence is seeking an Operations Excellence / Manufacturing Engineer to join its continuous improvement team. With a focus on operational excellence, innovation and sustainable growth, the business is investing heavily in process improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in driving efficiency, reducing waste and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
As Operations Excellence / Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and embedding a structured continuous improvement framework across manufacturing operations. Working closely with production, engineering, quality and supply chain teams, you will identify operational waste, deliver improvement projects and drive measurable business benefits. Key responsibilities will include:
- Designing and implementing a structured Continuous Improvement (CI) programme across manufacturing operations.
- Identifying waste and improvement opportunities through analysis of scrap, downtime, variance reporting, customer complaints and operational KPIs.
- Developing and maintaining a pipeline of CI and operational excellence projects aligned to business objectives.
- Leading and supporting Lean, Six Sigma and problem-solving initiatives across multiple sites.
- Creating visual management systems, dashboards and performance reporting tools.
- Delivering training and coaching in continuous improvement methodologies including DMAIC, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, A3 Problem Solving and Value Stream Mapping.
- Supporting cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement corrective actions and sustain improvements.
- Tracking project savings, operational benefits and overall project performance.
- Facilitating the sharing of best practice across manufacturing sites.
- Supporting the development of standard work, SOPs and visual controls to improve operational consistency.
To be considered for this role, you will ideally have:
- Proven experience driving operational excellence, manufacturing improvement or continuous improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence or OPEX initiatives.
- Six Sigma Green Belt qualification or higher.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering operations.
- Experience analysing operational and ERP data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Knowledge of Lean tools and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience working collaboratively across Production, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain functions.
- Excellent communication, coaching and training delivery skills.
- Knowledge of injection moulding or compression moulding processes would be advantageous.
In return, you will receive:
- Salary up to £45,000.
- Company pension scheme.
- Healthcare benefits package.
- Generous annual leave entitlement including festive shutdown.
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives and engagement programmes.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Access to ongoing training and career development opportunities within a large, international manufacturing group.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact on business performance and operational excellence strategy.
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Operation Excellence/ Manufacturing Engineer employer: Hays Engineering
As a leading specialist in offsite, prefabricated MEP solutions, this company offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Co Down, Northern Ireland. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, a competitive pension scheme, and generous annual leave, all while working in state-of-the-art facilities that promote continuous improvement and employee wellbeing. With a strong focus on career development and a friendly culture, this organisation is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding opportunities in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operation Excellence/ Manufacturing Engineer
✨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 Hays Engineering, 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 Operation Excellence/ Manufacturing Engineer
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 Hays Engineering 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 Hays Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hays Engineering, 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 Hays Engineering 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.
