Job Summary
This senior role in one of the Vita Group's largest manufacturing, high hazard (CoMAH / SEVESO) sites is responsible for leading and overseeing all engineering activities; ensuring optimal safety, performance and efficiency of a diverse set of production processes and equipment; including polyurethane foam (PU) manufacturing lines, rebonded PU foaming lines, a large and complex warehouse and a high number of conversion and fabrication processes. This role involves strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive continuous improvement, innovation, and cost-effective solutions. The manager will supervise a team of engineers and project managers, manage capital projects (some major), and ensure compliance with high (safety and environmental) regulatory demands. A strong focus on quality, reliability, and operational excellence is essential.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Include the following:
Health, Safety and the Environment
:
* Accountable for HS&E performance within the engineering department
* Contributing to site HS&E risk improvement program
* Leading the site emergency response team in a major incident
* Will assume engineering function lead with internal and external process safety / CoMAH audits
* Compliance with Regulations: Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation (e.g., HSE, COSHH, PUWER, Pressure equipment, LOLER, LEV, EAWR).
* Change Management: Manage engineering changes through formal change control processes, ensuring safety impact assessments are completed
* Risk Assessments: Lead and review risk assessments for engineering projects, maintenance tasks, and equipment modifications
* Safe System of Work: Develop and enforce safe systems of work, including permits to work, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined space entry protocols.
* High hazard materials: Establishment, maintenance and development of controls for handling and storing high hazard chemicals used in foam production (e.g., TDI, polyols, powders, dust); including loss of containment protective systems, manufacturing exotherm management, ATEX zone management and emergency response plans.
* Mandatory standards: Ensure all relevant internal standards are adhered to; eg: machinery guarding, chemical safety, contractor management
* Training & Competency: Ensure engineering staff are trained and competent in health and safety procedures, including emergency response and equipment operation.
* Demonstrates visual 'felt' leadership through behavioural safety appraisals and 5S audits with coaching on required corrective action
* Process safety: lead process safety on site part owning HAZOP/ LOPA CoMAH safety report
Quality / Cost:
* Understanding and owning the major impact of engineering and maintenance inputs into the quality outputs from each of the operational areas
* Quality Standards Compliance: Ensure engineering activities align with relevant quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, customer specifications, internal QA protocols)
* Process Control: Collaborate with production management teams to maintain and improve process controls that ensure consistent product quality
* Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into engineering failures including quality issues related to equipment or process failures, using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram)
* Continuous Improvement: Drive engineering-led initiatives to improve product quality, reduce process defects and enhance process capability (e.g., Pareto / 'big 3' losses, Six Sigma etc…)
* Change Management: Manage engineering changes through formal change control processes, ensuring quality impact / business interruption assessments are completed
Delivery / planning:
* Project Delivery: Ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of engineering projects, including equipment upgrades, process improvements, and infrastructure developments
* Maintenance Strategy Execution: Oversee the implementation of planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity
* Capital Projects Management: Lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of capital expenditure projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and ROI expectations
* Technical Problem Solving: Provide expert engineering support to resolve complex technical issues affecting all aspects of the operation
* Resource Planning: Allocate engineering resources effectively to meet site priorities, balancing short-term needs with long-term strategic goals
* Performance Monitoring: Track and report on engineering KPIs (e.g., equipment uptime, project milestones, maintenance compliance) to ensure accountability and continuous improvement
* Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with operations, quality, HSE, and supply chain teams to ensure engineering outputs support broader business objectives.
* Budget Control: Manage engineering budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets.
* Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of engineering activities, project progress, and technical changes for audit and operational transparency
* Create and implement plans for equipment overhaul or replacement where equipment is classed as aged assets
* Implement FMEA across all manufacturing assets and align maintenance plans to suit business needs
People:
* Leadership & Team Development: Provide clear direction, coaching, and support to engineering staff, fostering a high-performance culture and continuous professional development.
* Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders (e.g., operations, quality, HSE, procurement) to align engineering outputs with business needs.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively across departments to ensure engineering initiatives support broader site objectives and operational efficiency.
* Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve interpersonal or cross-functional conflicts constructively, promoting a respectful and inclusive working environment.
* Performance Management: Set clear objectives, conduct regular performance reviews, and manage underperformance within the engineering team.
* Succession Planning: Identify and develop talent within the team to ensure continuity of leadership and technical expertise.
* Employee Engagement: Promote a positive work culture through recognition, involvement in decision-making, and responsiveness to employee feedback
General:
* Capital project business case build
* Site estate facilities maintenance responsibility
* Duty holder for Electrical safety and Legionella control
* Responsible for managing site security
* Manage call out rota and member of emergency call out team
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Other duties may be assigned.
Person Specification
* Education and experience -
Minimum level of education and experience required