Manufacturing Process Team Leader in ME14

Energy Jobline ZR; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym on-site

Canteen

Enhanced pension

Holiday allowance

Job summary

Knowledge House Resourcing Ltd is recruiting for a Manufacturing Process Team Leader on the outskirts of Maidstone. You will lead the Manufacturing Development team, drive improvements in process efficiency, product quality and resource usage, and work closely with Operations, Engineering and Projects teams to deliver site improvements.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, safety culture and environmental compliance, with responsibility for developing technicians and addressing technical

Qualifications

• Experience leading a technical team and driving improvements in manufacturing.
• Background in process engineering, manufacturing technology or related field.
• Knowledge of process safety, environmental compliance and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Development team, set objectives and KPIs.
• Drive improvements in chemical/water usage, product quality and process efficiency.
• Maintain safety culture and ensure HSE standards across the site.
• Provide hands-on technical support and cover for team as required.
• Oversee water treatment and compliance with permits and ISO systems.
• Use data and QC information to identify deviations and optimise processes.

Skills

Team leadership

Process engineering

Continuous improvement

Data analysis

HSE compliance

Problem solving

Water treatment experience

Job description

Job DescriptionRole: 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.

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).

Knowledge House Resourcing Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. KHR - Recruitment Specialists is a trading name of Knowledge House Resourcing Ltd.