Manufacturing Process Team Leader

KHR - Recruitment Specialists; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension

Holiday allowance

Gym on-site

Canteen

Job summary

KHR - Recruitment Specialists is partnering with a leading manufacturer to appoint a Manufacturing Process Team Leader. Based on the outskirts of Maidstone, you will lead the Manufacturing Development function, mentoring Process Technicians and Technologists while driving efficiency, quality and environmental performance across the site.

You will collaborate with Operations, Engineering and Projects teams to identify improvements, solve technical problems and deliver robust processes.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading or managing a technical team, with the ability to develop and motivate others.
• Previous experience in a process engineering, process development, manufacturing technology or technical manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of process chemistry, chemical management or chemical efficiency would be highly beneficial.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Experience with water treatment, wastewater/effluent treatment or environmental processes is desirable.
• Experience using data analysis and structured problem-solving techniques to identify process improvements.
• Familiarity with FMEA, risk assessment and continuous improvement methodologies.
• A practical, proactive approach with the confidence to get involved in hands-on technical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Development team, setting departmental objectives, KPIs and supporting ongoing professional development.
• Drive improvements in chemical efficiency, water consumption, product quality and overall process performance.
• Develop and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring HSE standards and departmental action plans are effectively managed.
• Provide cover for Process Technologists and Technicians where required and deputise for the Manufacturing Development Manager when necessary.
• Provide practical technical support and hands-on problem-solving across Manufacturing Development activities.
• Oversee fresh water and effluent treatment processes, including DAF, anaerobic and aerobic treatment systems.
• Support site compliance with environmental permits, ISO management systems, food contact requirements and hygiene standards.
• Use process modelling, production information and QC data to identify deviations, optimise processes and improve material usage.
• Lead and support product development, feasibility studies, FMEA, risk assessments and continuous improvement projects.
• Monitor water usage and coordinate initiatives to reduce consumption, including responsibility for Legionella controls.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge within the team to ensure the site continues to adopt appropriate technologies and best practice.
• Participate in the site duty management and call-out rota, with occasional travel and overnight stays where required.

Skills

Technical leadership

Process engineering

Continuous improvement

Water treatment

Environmental compliance

Data analysis

FMEA

Hands-on problem-solving

Job description

Role: Manufacturing Process Team Leader
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30
Location: Outskirts of Maidstone
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

KHR is working with a leading manufacturer to recruit an experienced Manufacturing Process Team Leader to join and lead their technical team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on process professional to take responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation and development of the Manufacturing Development function, supporting a period of significant site expansion.

The role will involve leading a team of Process Technicians and Process Technologists, while driving improvements across process efficiency, product quality, chemical usage, water consumption, effluent treatment and environmental compliance. You will work closely with Operations, Engineering and Projects teams to identify opportunities, solve technical problems and deliver improvements across the site.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Process Engineer, Process Technologist, Manufacturing Development professional, or Technical Team Leader looking to take the next step in their career within a well‑established manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• – Lead and develop the Manufacturing Development team, setting departmental objectives, KPIs and supporting ongoing professional development.
• – Drive improvements in chemical efficiency, water consumption, product quality and overall process performance.
• – Develop and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring HSE standards and departmental action plans are effectively managed.
• – Provide cover for Process Technologists and Technicians where required and deputise for the Manufacturing Development Manager when necessary.
• – Provide practical technical support and hands‑on problem‑solving across Manufacturing Development activities.
• – Oversee fresh water and effluent treatment processes, including DAF, anaerobic and aerobic treatment systems.
• – Support site compliance with environmental permits, ISO management systems, food contact requirements and hygiene standards.
• – Use process modelling, production information and QC data to identify deviations, optimise processes and improve material usage.
• – Lead and support product development, feasibility studies, FMEA, risk assessments and continuous improvement projects.
• – Monitor water usage and coordinate initiatives to reduce consumption, including responsibility for Legionella controls.
• – Maintain and develop technical knowledge within the team to ensure the site continues to adopt appropriate technologies and best practice.
• – Participate in the site duty management and call‑out rota, with occasional travel and overnight stays where required.

What We’re Looking For

• – Experience of leading or managing a technical team, with the ability to develop and motivate others.
• – Previous experience in a process engineering, process development, manufacturing technology or technical manufacturing environment.
• – Knowledge of process chemistry, chemical management or chemical efficiency would be highly beneficial.
• – Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• – Experience with water treatment, wastewater/effluent treatment or environmental processes is desirable.
• – Experience using data analysis and structured problem‑solving techniques to identify process improvements.
• – Familiarity with FMEA, risk assessment and continuous improvement methodologies.
• – A practical, proactive approach with the confidence to get involved in hands‑on technical problem‑solving.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Process Engineer, Process Technologist, Manufacturing Development professional, or Technical Team Leader looking to take the next step in their career within a well‑established manufacturing environment.

On top of a competitive base salary, you will receive an enhanced company pension, holiday allowance, and other benefits, including full access to on‑site facilities (gym and canteen).