Lead Process Engineer

Job Title: Lead Process Engineer
Location: Gloucester
Salary: £50k -£53k
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week, Monday to Friday
Reports To: Process Engineering Manager

Role Summary
As Lead Process Engineer, you will play a key role in driving the optimisation and continuous improvement of the organisation’s manufacturing operations. You will focus on implementing effective process controls that ensure consistently high levels of quality, while developing flow and reducing waste across all manufacturing value streams.
In addition, you will support the introduction of new products and processes, leading training and ensuring that standardised methodologies aligned to APQP standards are consistently applied.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering Leadership

Champion process engineering maturity and deliver training to Quality & Technical teams, aligning product industrialisation with APQP standards.
Deputise for the Process Engineering Manager when required.
Act as a subject matter expert and role model in best practice process engineering. Core Engineering Activities

Perform daily process engineering responsibilities within the assigned value stream team.
Utilise standardised process engineering tools and methodologies to ensure consistent, accurate outcomes.
Lead PFMEA and Control Plan development alongside Quality Engineers, implementing robust process controls to safeguard product quality.
Develop and maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Instructions (SOIs) for all production processes.
Map and optimise production processes using tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Yamazumi Charts, Spaghetti Diagrams, and MOST time studies.
Create and execute process efficiency improvement plans to enhance flow, reduce waste, and lower costs.
Manage tooling within your allocated value stream.
Monitor, analyse, and interpret manufacturing data to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
Support the Manufacturing Engineering team in delivering operational performance improvements.
Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting to improve OEE. New Product & Process Introduction

Own process engineering deliverables for new product and process launches.
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient implementation.
Deliver training and ensure adoption of standardised processes for all new introductions. Continuous Improvement & Compliance

Contribute to Lean improvement initiatives and workshops.
Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures within cross-functional teams.
Support BMS utilisation and process engineering-related documentation and procedures.
Report on process engineering KPIs and support the function’s annual improvement plan.
Contribute to internal and external audits.
Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Stay current with process engineering technologies, tools, and best practices. Other Responsibilities

Develop strong working relationships with assigned value stream teams.
Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the company. Skills & Experience
Essential:

Significant experience in process engineering within a complex manufacturing environment.
Proficient in process engineering tools (Yamazumi, MOST, SOPs, Value Stream Mapping, SPC, Spaghetti diagrams).
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating cross-functionally.
Ability to manage multiple projects to tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T. Desirable:

Proven leadership and mentoring skills.
Experience with Lean manufacturing methodologies (Single Piece Flow, Jidoka, SMED, 5S).
Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, Gantt charts, Project Charters). Attributes

Experience in designing and implementing new processes.
Strong knowledge of APQP processes and tools (PPAP, PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, Standard Ops).
Detail-oriented with a methodical, organised approach.
Completer/finisher mindset with high standards.
Open and adaptable to change.
Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently. Other Requirements

Full UK driving licence.
Ability to travel at short notice to customer or supplier sites as required