Project Lead – Contract Position
Location: Lancaster, UK
Contract Duration: 12 Months
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Working Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Rate: £28–£33 per hour
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Project Lead with a strong background in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure product and process compliance, and lead cross-functional project delivery within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role requires robust quality assurance expertise, process improvement capability, and strong leadership skills to support multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.
Education & Professional Qualifications
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Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering
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5 –10 years hands-on experience in Manufacturing Engineering
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Experience participating in 2–3 audits for major certifications in an individual capacity
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Green Belt certification in any Quality initiative is advantageous
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Strong knowledge of varied manufacturing processes
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Solid understanding of concessions, containment procedures, and traceability techniques
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Skilled in data collection and analysis using 7 QC tools and SPC techniques
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Experience with Lean principles and 5S management
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Exposure to the Aerospace or Automotive industry preferred
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Awareness of key quality standards including AS9100, OHSAS, TS 16949, and various ISO frameworks
Key Responsibilities
Quality & Compliance
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Establish and maintain quality standards and product compliance aligned with customer and regulatory expectations
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Review and interpret specifications, standards, and compliance requirements
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Support non-conformance investigations, applying structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, RCA)
Process & Project Leadership
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Develop, evaluate, and enhance workflows, operating procedures, and control documents
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Oversee operational support activities and troubleshoot technical issues
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Lead requirement gathering, project planning, execution, and closure for assigned initiatives
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Participate in weekly/monthly project reviews and contribute to effective risk management
Cross-functional Engagement
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, partners, and technical specialists
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Represent management in customer meetings, presenting operational KPIs and project updates
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Build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships
Continuous Improvement
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Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency improvements
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Lead improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes, products, equipment, and quality
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Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions using QC tools and SPC
Key Leadership Competencies & Soft Skills
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Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written)
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Strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement
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Effective problem-solving and logical-thinking capabilities
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High level of proactivity and ownership