Area Manager, Tool Assembly

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun.

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families. We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

The position leads and develops the Tool Assembly production team, ensuring compliance with safety, GMP, and quality standards while driving Lean Sigma initiatives to improve delivery and cost performance. It also focuses on team training, mentoring, effective communication across all levels, and implementing preventive and corrective actions to support operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a team of tooling Engineers, Fitters and Operators for the assembly of Elastomer and Plastic tools in compliance with safety rules, good manufacturing practices, quality standards and objectives.
• In consultation with Technical Leads, provide technical consultation and guidance to the Team.
• Maintain, understand and strive to achieve Plant KPIs.
• Manage resources and business systems to ensure production requirements are met.
• Ensure systems are relevant and effective through control of Department procedures and audits.
• Communicate with all levels of the business to organise effectively.
• Ensure all Company Policies and Procedures are adhered to.
• Manage department quality in line with Product specifications.
• Report, resolve and escalate accidents, incidents, HSE irregularities ensuring all workplace inspections are completed and sufficient.
• Coach, mentor and manage learning development of team members.
• Comply with all corporate and local site Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ensure control plans, maintenance and safety schedules are accurate, up to date and followed.
• Read, understand & be able to challenge engineering drawings.
• Demonstrate and use a proactive mindset in order to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilisation of equipment.
• Lead and champion Lean Sigma programs and develop department automation and efficiency.
• Responsible for ensuring financial targets are met.
• Actively resolve reported issues, problems or irregularities within your area of control and escalate matters where required.
• Support and deputise for the Planning & Production Manager and fellow Area Managers.

Education

• Required: Formal engineering apprenticeship to NVQ3 level/City and Guilds or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Required: Minimum of 5 years' experience in Engineering and/or Toolmaking.
• Desirable: Some experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Desirable: Formal supervisory training NVQ level 3 (or equivalent qualification/work experience).
• Desirable: Higher National Certificate (or Higher qualification) in Engineering Discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required: Experience of Managing a team in a Production and Engineering environment.
• Good communication, professional and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge/experience in elastomer mould, plastic mould and press-tool manufacture.
• Knowledge/experience in setting, programming & operation of toolroom equipment.
• Knowledge/experience of use of measuring equipment.
• Knowledge/experience of interpreting Engineering drawings.
• Experienced and conversant PC user.
• Desirable: Experience in automation processes & database managed machine tools.
• Experience of Lean Manufacturing techniques.

Travel Requirements

5%: Up to 13 business days per year.

Physical Requirements

Medium-Exerting up to 50lb/22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 10lbs/4kgs of force constantly to move objects.

Shift Monday to Friday / Day Shift 07.45 - 15.20 Mon - Thu 07.45 - 15.05 Fri.

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.