Product Development Manager

Job Title: Product Development & Training Manager

Location: Northwest, near Stockport

Salary: circa £50K plus benefits (4.5-day week)

Industry: Aerospace

PRS Engineering have engaged with a new client and a recognised global leader in the design and manufacture of ultra-lightweight systems. We are currently hiring for a Product Development & Training Manager on a permanent basis (on-site).

Job Purpose

The Product Development and Training Managers primary role is to Manage and support the Development and Training functions within the business. The role has an equal split between managing Process Development and Training activities.

Functioning within the New Product Introduction team, this role will manage and coordinate Process Developer and Production Training Team activities, collaborating with cross functional teams to achieve the following:

Key Elements of the Role:

• Drive the Process Developer function to determine methods, techniques and sequence of manufacture to ensure that new products meet technical, cost and quality requirements.
• Deliver tooling, written guidance and practical training support to ensure effective product transition to Production.
• Post product launch, evaluate performance and where cost, quality or technical requirements can be improved, identify and execute changes to drive the required results and continuous improvement.
• Provide a high standard of training to new recruits and broaden the skills of the existing Production workforce to drive efficiency and OTD improvements.
• Collaborate with key SIOP stakeholders to tailor and deliver structured proactive training programs to deliver OTD improvements.

Duties and responsibilities

• Allocate resources to ensure that the department’s outputs meet the requirements of the department plan and if necessary, consult with the NPI Manager to address resource level issues.
• Responsible for managing resources in a cost-effective manner and ensuring that monthly and annual departmental targets are achieved.
• Provide resources to allocate to scheduled training plans initiated by Production following SIOP review and where applicable create accompanying documentation. (Note that Production is responsible for initiating the training request, scope and for ensuring the availability of staff as per schedule).
• Utilise Process Developer and Trainer knowledge and experience of the manufacturing processes to identify, understand and resolve process constraints and issues, where appropriate liaising with the applicable department or escalate accordingly to enable resolving action.
• Develop and maintain the necessary skills within the Process Developer and Training Teams to meet business requirements as identified through the NPI and SIOP processes.
• Create and maintain e-learning video, audio and written material for training and skill development for one-to-one, group and self-learning.
• Review existing and future training materials produced by 3rd parties to determine appropriateness and relevance.
• Responsible for managing and collaborating with respective teams in the analysis of external and internal quality issues with a target to avoid re-occurrence.
• Ensure all team members perform all duties in accordance with their job description, company values, policies and procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews on a regular basis with all team members in line with Company procedures and ensure training and development plans are current.
• Regularly communicate with the departmental team on Company and Departmental issues through informal methods, briefings, and meetings.
• To actively promote and contribute towards activities that will improve the company’s performance and reduce its impact on the environment, working with the management team in developing and introducing new initiatives into the workplace.
• Lead and maintain a high level of activity and enthusiasm for the Continuous Improvement of processes, product and people within the department. Set the standard for 5S.
• Ensure Process Developer tools, techniques and instructions can be replicated in Production.
• Ensure Risk Assessments and Process sheets are created to facilitate a safe handover to Production. In the case of new equipment being specified as part of the relevant training, Standard Operating Procedures need to be generated to include safety detail as part of the product / process transition to Production.
• Work in conjunction with the NPI Manager to ensure the requirements for new plant, equipment. tools and fixtures are fully scoped, budgeted, and controlled.
• Consult with the Design department to ensure best practice production techniques and ‘lessons learned’ are incorporated into future designs at the initial design stage of the NPI process.
• Maintain HS&E Risk Assessments within the department as required, identify appropriate improvement actions, and ensure timely closure of all actions.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment
• Previous responsibility for people management and individual and team development
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Good at problem solving with the ability to work as part of a team and individually with minimal supervision.
• Ability to deliver at pace to meet changing demands, taking accountability for results.
• High effectiveness in managing cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods and best practice
• Highly motivated and delivery focussed.
• Ability to work under pressure with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Flexible in approach and be prepared to work additional hours as required.
• Working knowledge of HSE policies, procedures and practices
• Working knowledge of HR legislation
• A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding