At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and solve production challenges.
- Company: Join Sonoco, a leader in innovative packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with potential for career advancement across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a technical field and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38056 - 46512 £ per year.
At Sonoco Chesterfield we manufacture composite cans used as packaging mainly for food and powdered beverages. You have probably seen some of our products on the shelves in the supermarket: Pringles, the nation’s favourite Bisto, Nestlé Coffee Mate, SlimFast powdered beverages, Heinz Baby Food, etc.
Purpose of Job: Within the operations department and reporting directly to the Continuous Improvement Lead, your role is to improve the efficiency of our plant manufacturing processes by application of the lean manufacturing principles.
Your day to day job will consist of:
- Ensuring an optimal production efficiency by problem solving top production losses, finding the root cause, and designing the issue out in the shortest period possible, leading to no repeated problems occurring.
- Investigating the root causes of complaints – both from the customer and those found during production – and then identifying and implementing effective preventative actions.
- Documenting knowledge in a production standard and training operators to develop team self-sufficiency.
You will also be assigned some projects to manage such as:
- Continuous improvement projects: 5S, SMED, Autonomous Maintenance, Centre-lining, Process Control Automation.
- Machines installation & qualifications on site: Factory Acceptance Test, Commissioning, Team Training.
- New products introduction: trials of new materials and new products launch support at manufacturing level.
Role within the company and stakeholder interactions: The candidate will report to the site Continuous Improvement Lead with a dotted line report to the Quality Manager. The candidate will have to interact with multiple stakeholders on a day to day basis: Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, Supply Chain, sister plants (based in Europe), Suppliers.
The ideal candidate should have the capability to grow into a larger role within the UK to support Sonoco’s commitment to succession development and succession planning.
Key Activities:
- Develop and drive a culture of continuous improvement within site, ensuring the engagement and involvement of the entire Plant support and operations department.
- Lead improvement activities across all plant and equipment areas of site, through Define, Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Control methods.
- Manage customer complaints and internal complaints for the site, including recording the complaints in Agile/Excel, leading the investigation into the root causes, agreeing and implementing the preventative actions, and reporting on the complaints to the internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in the training of staff ensuring that they develop the skills to become subject/equipment experts in the various systems and processes on site.
- Lead and support root cause analysis when plant and equipment issues arise, suggesting corrective and preventative actions and ensuring that these are appropriately documented and approved in accordance with local procedures.
- Provide engineering support to include design reviews, commissioning and validation support of plant and equipment including factory acceptance testing, commissioning and improvement.
- Support the introduction of new plant and equipment defining user requirements specifications through to involvement in commissioning, validation and ongoing operation & maintenance.
- Develop, maintain and improve plant and equipment procedures to execute all activities in a safe and compliant way.
- Conduct optimisation studies and perform detailed engineering analysis of existing facilities, systems & process equipment.
- Support the management of the site maintenance programme to ensure that plant, facilities, and process equipment are kept safe and compliant with statutory regulation and company procedures.
- Work together with the Site and Operations managers to cover periods of holiday and absence; undertake other duties in relation to the position as the Company requires, including working additional hours as requested by the Site and Operations Manager.
- Take ownership of all equipment within your designated focus area, ensuring that they are ran to pre-set speeds and conditions. All maintenance is completed to schedule with successful outputs.
- KPI’s/API’s: Ensure that your area has adequate Activity performance indicators that improve KPI’s, and these KPI’s are measured at line level and acted upon when not achieved.
- Track and trend performance issues to ensure that repeat problems are picked up, discussed and activities to resolve organised and followed through.
Key Measurables:
- % Unplanned Downtime on focus machinery
- % Implementation of line process control
- Time taken by the team to change over machinery
- # Standards created on time on focus equipment
- % People trained to correct operating level on focus machinery
- % People trained on problem solving
- $ saved by continuous improvement projects implemented
CANDIDATE’S EXPERIENCE
Qualifications and Experience
Required: Graduate Masters / Bachelor in a Technical / Manufacturing / Sciences subject. Proven capability in Problem Solving (8D, DMAIC, Green Belt Lean 6 Sigma, UPS, A3, ...)
Desirable:
- 1 year or more of experience in a process control / engineering role
- MEng in Industrial / Mechanical Engineering
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt qualified or equivalent
- Experience in a fast-moving manufacturing environment
- Experience in the food packaging, automotive or FMCG industry
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to analyse complex sets of data quickly
- Ability to train people
- Excellent communication: written, spoken, visual
- Excellent computer skills: mainly Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and email
Personal Attributes
- Must be curious
- Must be willing to learn and develop personal knowledge
- Bias for action / Enthusiastic with drive for continuous improvement
- Must be an excellent team player with good interpersonal skills able to communicate at all levels
- Logical with a key eye for details
- Excellent customer focus required
Working Environment: The position is based in Chesterfield plant but can require visits to our manufacturing plants in UK & Europe as well as visits to our Suppliers or Customers in the UK.
Process Improvement & Quality Engineer in Chesterfield employer: SONOCO CANADA
At Sonoco Chesterfield, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that champions continuous improvement and employee development. Our commitment to quality and innovation in manufacturing composite cans for renowned brands creates a rewarding atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our success. With opportunities for growth within the UK and a supportive team culture, you'll find meaningful work that not only enhances your skills but also drives our mission forward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Improvement & Quality Engineer in Chesterfield
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like SONOCO CANADA, 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 Process Improvement & Quality Engineer in Chesterfield
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 SONOCO CANADA 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 SONOCO CANADA
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SONOCO CANADA, 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 SONOCO CANADA 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.
