At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation in manufacturing, developing tools to enhance efficiency and innovation.
- Company: Join Ford Halewood, a leader in smart manufacturing and digitalisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increases, gym access, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital innovation in manufacturing and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Computer Science; experience in manufacturing and digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 46587 - 46587 £ per year.
Location: Ford Halewood Transmissions Plant
Salary: £46,587.88 (Inclusive of 35% holiday bonus for 33 days per year: 25 vacation days plus 8 bank holidays)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00am-3:30pm, and Friday, 7:00am-12:30pm
Ford Halewood is undergoing an exciting transformation as we continue to develop smarter, more efficient and more connected manufacturing processes. As our Manufacturing Digitalisation Specialist/Single Point of Contact, you will play a key role in supporting the plant's digital transformation journey. Working closely with Plant IT, Ford Production System teams, Global IT, Data Science and AI teams, you will help develop, deploy and maintain digital tools that improve manufacturing processes across the site. You will support the rollout of existing Ford global standard tools, including eFPS, while also identifying opportunities to create bespoke digital solutions that address Halewood-specific challenges. You will also represent Halewood within the wider European Digitalisation network, sharing best practice and helping successful ideas to be scaled across other Ford plants. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys combining manufacturing knowledge with digital innovation, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as Halewood's key point of contact for manufacturing digitalisation.
- Support the development, deployment and maintenance of digital manufacturing tools, including eFPS, IIOT, DWT Wrapper, DCC, PCC and BCC dashboards.
- Work with key stakeholders to develop and support a digital transformation roadmap focused on efficiency, waste reduction and process improvement.
- Partner with Data Science and AI teams to explore how predictive analytics can support production processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing performance through digital tools, automation, data insights and Industry 4.0 solutions.
- Create governance and change management processes for internally developed digital tools, ensuring they remain secure, structured and sustainable.
- Define and monitor KPIs to measure the success and return on investment of digital initiatives.
- Act as the link between IT, data teams, manufacturing teams and plant floor operators to ensure digital solutions are practical, user-friendly and impactful.
- Represent Halewood in European digitalisation forums, supporting cross-plant knowledge sharing and best practice.
- Proactively explore new technologies, build business cases and engage with technology partners where appropriate.
- Support Plant IT operational responsibilities when workload allows. Some travel may be required during the year to attend innovation workshops with the Alliance.
What We're Looking For:
We are looking for someone who is curious, proactive and confident working across both manufacturing and digital environments. You will ideally have:
- A qualification in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field.
- Experience within manufacturing operations, ideally supporting digital transformation, Industry 4.0, automation or process improvement initiatives.
- An understanding of how digitalisation can be applied within a manufacturing environment.
- The ability to discuss both digital/data concepts and physical manufacturing processes, including mechanical assembly lines.
- Knowledge of data architectures, cloud computing data pipelines, databases, Node-RED and prompt engineering.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business challenges into practical digital solutions.
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work with stakeholders across IT, engineering, data science, production and leadership teams.
- A proactive mindset, with the ability to explore new ideas, identify opportunities and clearly communicate business cases.
You will also be expected to role model Ford+ behaviours, champion a Zero Accident culture and support Ford's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything you do.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with annual increases
- Access to Ford's Employee Development & Assistance Programme
- Ford Privilege Vehicle Purchase Scheme
- Competitive pension scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Excellent on-site facilities, including gym, sauna, and steam room
- A strong focus on work-life balance and long-term career development
Diversity & Inclusion: Ford is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or belief, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
Manufacturing digitalisation specialist/spoc employer: Randstad Inhouse Services
Randstad Inhouse Services is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive pay rates, flexible benefits, and access to an on-site gym, employees in Peterlee can enjoy a balanced work-life experience while developing their skills in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing digitalisation specialist/spoc
✨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 Randstad Inhouse Services, 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 Manufacturing digitalisation specialist/spoc
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 Randstad Inhouse Services 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 Randstad Inhouse Services
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Randstad Inhouse Services, 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 Randstad Inhouse Services 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.
