Manufacturing Management Apprenticeship

Ibstock Plc; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the UK seeks a vital operational team member responsible for ensuring compliance with quality and environmental standards. This role involves conducting testing and analysis of products, developing procedures, and collaborating with teams to drive continuous improvement. Candidates need strong communication, problem-solving skills, and relevant GCSE qualifications. The position offers opportunities for career progression within a company dedicated to sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Quality, Energy, and Environmental Management Systems.
• Conduct sampling, testing, and analysis of raw materials and finished products.
• Develop and collaborate on Safe Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
• Monitor and report on key performance data throughout the manufacturing process.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Team working

Initiative

Reliability

Education

GCSE in 2 further subjects (grade 4 or above)

GCSE in English (grade 4 or above)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4 or above)

GCSE in Science (any discipline) (grade 4 or above)

A Level in Science or BTEC in Science or equivalent (grade Pass or above)

Job description

A vital member of our operational team, you'll ensure compliance with our Quality, Energy, and Environmental Management Systems. Conduct sampling, testing, and analysis of raw materials and finished products, playing a key role in maintaining our high standards. Collaborate on developing Safe Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments. Help monitor and report on key performance data throughout the manufacturing process. Investigate and analyse customer feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Work competently, safely and manage risks in accordance with HSE regulations.
• Apply knowledge of health and safety hazards, major hazards, environmental aspects and operational risks to train others to conduct full risk assessments, license to operate procedures and to investigate and evaluate health, safety, and environmental accidents and incidents, report findings and implement improvements.
• Use emergency response processes and procedures to deal with emergency situations and ensure that the site is evacuated, secured and made safe as swiftly as possible.
• Recommend and support improvements to environmental, health and safety culture, procedures, processes and systems across the operation.
• Obtain, evaluate and use information from teams across the site to take critical operational decisions, including information on products, equipment and staffing levels.
• Utilise communications technology for performing and supporting business processes including communications, work co‑ordination, task analysis and problem solving.
• Ensure that operational systems are adhered to by all employees in accordance with quality control plans and procedures.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment in order to meet employer and regulatory health and safety requirements.
• Apply root cause analysis.
• Use principles of predictive and preventative maintenance of all mineral products equipment to minimise downtime and costs.
• Develop and write technical reports that meet business requirements, including optimisation and continuous improvement of processes and services.
• Maximise the use of resources, maximise products from raw materials, ensuring sustainability of resources.
• Provide technical knowledge transfer to colleagues and continuous improvements in line with business requirements.
• Optimise processes and products regarding cost and performance in line with budget requirements.
• Communicate all relevant information with the operational team, customers and stakeholders by email, handheld radio, phone and face‑to‑face to keep them up to date with site production issues, ensuring information is passed clearly and promptly.
• Plan and implement plans for work activities and projects.
• Monitor trends, interpret results and make adjustments in production.
• Use knowledge of local communities, official bodies and other stakeholders associated with mineral products and their industry interests to liaise and engage, ensuring positive working relationships and minimising disputes.
• Ensure safe and effective utilisation of mineral extraction equipment and resources by following standard operating procedures and site rules.
• Maximise operational and resource efficiency in a mineral extraction environment in accordance with the quarry/mine plan.
• Plan processes to win and extract mineral in a safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive manner applying blasting, digging or cutting techniques.
• Plan to use, select and utilise face loading machines, dump trucks, conveyor systems, processing and beneficiation equipment by planning material flow and matching equipment.
• Use and apply the quarry/mine plan to assess environmental impact, planning constraints, site restoration and the wider sustainability agenda.
• Achieve and verify product quality meets both European Standards and customer specifications and optimise the production process to achieve these in a cost‑effective manner and whilst maintaining end‑use applications.
• Ensure all test equipment is maintained, used correctly and calibrated, retains appropriate records; interpret all test results for accuracy, retesting as required, and take appropriate actions and communications if results fall outside specifications.
• Conduct the full range of legislative and procedural inspections required in the quarry, processing plant and associated locations, record, document findings and take appropriate action; for inspections by specialist third parties, interpret, prioritize and action recommendations.
• Plan work activities and production schedule with customer requirements.

Training Schedule

• Industry Introduction (20 credits)
• Industry and the Environment (20 credits)
• Learning, Thinking and Study Skills in Higher Education (20 credits)
• Business and Operational Management (20 credits)
• Production Facility Engineering (20 credits)
• Choose one of the following pathways and study three modules from that pathway:
• Mineral extractives
• Asphalt
• Concrete (ready mix or pre‑cast)
• Cement
• Clay

Desirable Qualifications

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem‑solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Reliability
• An interest in the industry
• A desire to learn
• GCSE in 2 further subjects (grade 4 or above)
• GCSE in English (grade 4 or above)
• GCSE in Maths (grade 4 or above)
• GCSE in Science (any discipline) (grade 4 or above)
• A Level in Science or BTEC in Science or equivalent (grade Pass or above)

At Ibstock, we've been shaping Britain's built environment for over 200 years. With a team of more than 2,300 strong, we're committed to building smarter, more sustainable homes and workplaces. Our innovative products are designed with a net‑zero future in mind, and we're constantly evolving to meet the challenges of tomorrow. If you're looking for a company that blends heritage with innovation, opportunity, and career progression, WE ARE that company.