Company Description Aalberts Surface Technologies Heat Limited is part of Aalberts, an international group specializing in advanced surface technologies and thermal processing solutions for industry. The company focuses on precision heat treatment and related services that improve the performance, durability, and reliability of engineered components. Operating modern facilities and using advanced vacuum heat treatment technologies, Aalberts serves customers across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, engineering, and general manufacturing. Team members work in a safety-focused, quality-driven environment with opportunities to develop technical expertise. The company values continuous improvement, customer partnership, and a practical, hands-on approach to solving complex engineering challenges.
Role Description The Process Manager – Vacuum Heat Treatment is a full-time, on-site role based in Letchworth. In this position, the Process Manager oversees day-to-day operations of vacuum heat treatment processes, ensuring that production schedules are met safely, efficiently, and to required quality standards. Responsibilities include setting and optimizing process parameters, supervising heat treatment cycles, monitoring furnace performance, and troubleshooting process deviations. The role involves creating and updating process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures, as well as supporting customer quotations and technical queries. The Process Manager works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and commercial teams to drive continuous improvement, reduce scrap and rework, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and customer specifications. The role also includes training and mentoring team members in best practices for vacuum heat treatment and process control.
Qualifications
* Strong technical background in heat treatment (preferably vacuum heat treatment), metallurgy, or materials science, with the ability to define, control, and optimize thermal processes.
* Experience in a production or manufacturing environment, with proven skills in process management, scheduling, and coordination of day-to-day operations.
* Knowledge of quality systems and standards (e.g., ISO, customer-specific requirements), including experience with process documentation, PFMEAs, control plans, and root cause analysis.
* Competence in data analysis and process monitoring, including interpreting charts, process data, and test results to drive continuous improvement.
* Effective people management and communication skills, with the ability to lead, coach, and support operators and technicians in a safe and inclusive manner.
* Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards in an industrial setting, with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
* Relevant technical qualification (e.g., apprenticeship, HNC/HND, or degree in metallurgy, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field) or equivalent practical experience.
* Experience working with industrial furnaces, vacuum systems, or similar thermal processing equipment is highly beneficial.
* Strong problem-solving mindset,