At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and technical services to boost manufacturing efficiency and performance.
- Company: Join a leading NI manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy an executive salary, bonus, car allowance, private medical, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and occasional travel to UK sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving process improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering leadership experience and a strong track record in manufacturing performance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Portadown, Northern Ireland
Executive Salary plus benefits such as: Bonus, Executive Car Allowance, Private Medical, 5% Pension, 33 Days Holiday
Monday - Thursday 8am - 5.15pm | Friday 8am - 1pm
Vickerstock are exclusively working in partnership with a leading NI manufacturing business to recruit a Head of Process Improvement for their multi-site operation. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior leadership role particularly focused on engineering performance, manufacturing efficiency, OEE improvement, asset reliability, maintenance strategy, and continuous improvement across a large-scale production environment employing 140+ staff.
The successful candidate will lead all engineering, maintenance, technical services, and operational engineering activities across the business while driving improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), uptime, throughput, preventative maintenance, and manufacturing performance.
The Role
- Lead the group engineering and technical services function across multiple manufacturing sites
- Drive measurable improvements in OEE, uptime, efficiency, and asset reliability
- Develop and implement engineering, maintenance, and TPM strategy across the operation
- Lead engineering performance improvement initiatives focused on downtime reduction and operational efficiency
- Oversee CMMS utilisation, preventative maintenance, and engineering KPI reporting
- Support capital investment, automation, and continuous improvement projects
- Manage engineering budgets, suppliers, contractors, and technical resources
- Lead and develop a large multi-disciplinary engineering and technical team
- Work closely with operations, production, quality, and senior leadership teams to support manufacturing performance
- Very occasional travel to one UK site as required
What You Will Need
- Senior engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing process improvement environment
- Strong track record improving OEE and manufacturing performance
- Experience implementing TPM, preventative maintenance, and reliability improvement strategies
- Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, downtime analysis, and operational efficiency
- Experience leading large engineering or maintenance teams
- Commercially aware with strong operational and budget management capability
This opportunity may suit candidates currently working as a Head of Engineering, Engineering Manager, Group Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Reliability Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Six Sigma Manager, Lead Manager, Business Excellence Manager, Site Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager, Engineering Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Operations Manager, or Head of Operations within a large manufacturing environment.
For a confidential discussion on this opportunity contact Hugh Nugent or Darren McVicker on Vickerstock today.
Skills: OEE, Overall Equipment Effectiveness, TPM, Total Productive Maintenance, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance Management, Reliability Engineering, Continuous Improvement, CMMS, Asset Reliability, Preventative Maintenance, Operational Excellence, Downtime Reduction, Manufacturing Performance, Engineering Leadership, CAPEX, Root Cause Analysis, Multi-site Manufacturing.
Areas easily commutable from Belfast, Lisburn, Craigavon, Portadown, Lurgan, Banbridge, Armagh, Dungannon, Newry and surrounding areas.
Head of Process Improvement employer: Vickerstock
Vickerstock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Portadown, Northern Ireland, where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including an executive salary, bonus, private medical cover, and generous holiday allowance, all while fostering a collaborative culture that empowers our team to drive engineering excellence across multiple manufacturing sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Process Improvement
✨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 Vickerstock, 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 Head of Process Improvement
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 Vickerstock 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 Vickerstock
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vickerstock, 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 Vickerstock 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.
