Head of Process Engineering
14 hours ago
Southampton
Our Head of Process Engineering will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, ensuring best-in-class quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This role is central to driving operational excellence through Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), lean manufacturing principles, and robust engineering leadership. The successful candidate will bring proven experience in operations and process optimisation, providing strategic direction while actively engaging in hands-on problem-solving to enhance productivity, safety, and product quality. Responsibilities • Lead and develop the process engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, • Define and deliver a process improvement roadmap that supports operational targets and strategic growth plans, • Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation, • Oversee the design, optimisation, and validation of lab processes to achieve world-class performance, • Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and increase value-add activities, • Drive standardisation and best practices across all production sites, • Lead the development and deployment of APQP activities, ensuring compliance with customer and industry requirements, • Engage with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to resolve technical challenges and ensure project delivery, • Act as a technical authority for process-related decisions Qualifications • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline, • Significant experience in manufacturing or process engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, • Demonstrable experience in operations management or operational support roles, • Track record of successfully delivering process improvement projects with measurable outcomes, • Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred), • Experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing sectors is highly desirable Required Skills • Expert knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement tools, • Strong understanding of APQP methodologies, control plans, and risk management tools, • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels Preferred Skills • Experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing sectors is highly desirable