Materials Manager

Epwin Group Plc; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Epwin Group Plc in the United Kingdom seeks a production/process improvement lead to drive enhancements in PVC extrusion and raw material processing. You will run production trials, coordinate with material and equipment suppliers, analyse technical data and resolve issues to boost efficiency.

You will manage materials processing, mixing and granulation areas, focusing on reducing costs, scrap and lead times, and presenting performance data and action plans to senior management.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on PVC extrusion or similar polymer processing experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and a methodical problem-solving approach.
• Ability to interpret technical data to inform decisions.
• Capable of independent work and making decisions within parameters.
• Experience with supplier engagement and trial coordination.
• Ability to coach others on technical and process practices.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access; quick to learn new software.
• Ability to use initiative and work under supervision when needed.
• Assertive in ensuring compliance with procedures.
• Ability to explain processes and train others; identify cost-saving actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate team members to achieve objectives.
• Manage spares and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Oversee implementation of new business processes.
• Troubleshoot and improve manufacturing processes.
• Analyse process data and present findings to senior management.
• Develop improvements to reduce scrap, increase line efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align with business goals.
• Maintain detailed technical records of trials and changes.

Skills

PVC extrusion knowledge

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Independent decision making

Supplier engagement

Team coaching

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Initiative

Assertive

Process documentation

Cost-saving measures

Education

Mechanical engineering qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

Hours of Work:

Mon-Thur 08:30-17:00 & Fri 08:30-16:00

Reports to:

Head of Operations

Job Purpose:

This role leads process improvements in PVC extrusion and raw materials.

Key tasks include running production trials, working with material and equipment suppliers, analysing technical data, and resolving production issues.

Responsible for managing materials processing, mixing plant, and granulation areas.

Focus on improving processes, lowering and production costs, and reducing production times. Present performance data and action plans.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead, coach and motivate team members in order to achieve business objectives
• Manage critical spares and preventive maintenance schedule(s)
• Oversee the implementation of new business processes
• Troubleshoot and improve processes
• Conduct and present ongoing analysis of manufacturing processes
• Develop and maintain a culture that develops two-way feedback and ensure communication takes place on a regular basis and at all levels, including regular “team-briefs”
• Liaise with suppliers to explore new materials, tooling, and process enhancements
• Lead and execute extrusion trials, including setup, monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes
• Liaise with suppliers to explore new materials, tooling, and process enhancements
• Troubleshoot technical issues in real-time, working closely with production teams to minimise downtime
• Analyse process data and present findings and recommendations to senior management
• Develop and implement improvements to reduce scrap rates, increase line efficiency, and enhance product quality
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business objectives
• Maintain detailed technical records of trials, findings, and implemented changes
• Provide technical support and mentoring to junior technicians and operators
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence on the shop floor
• Ensure all process changes are fully validated and compliant with quality standards

Key Experiences and Skills Required:

• Extensive hands‑on experience in PVC extrusion or similar polymer processing
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a methodical approach to problem solving
• Capable of interpreting technical data and using it to inform process decisions
• Confident in working independently and making decisions within defined parameters
• Experience of supplier engagement and trial coordination
• Ability to coach others on technical and process best practices
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, and quickly adapt to new softwareAbility to use own initiative and work under own supervision
• Must be assertive to ensure compliance with procedures
• Ability to explain processes / procedures & train others
• Ability to identify cost‑saving measures and improvement activities

Desirables Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Experience leading people in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of polymer extrusion processes
• Mechanical engineering qualification(s)

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership – strong, consistent, clear, inspire others, integrity, ability to drive through change
• Empowering Others – Delegation of trust, correct controls, feedback, communicate accountability and responsibility
• Action orientated – Able to deal with problems in appropriate time frames
• Driven by results – Decisive, confident addressing problems and opportunities, challenging activities to improve performance, demonstrate willingness to challenge accepted methods and standards
• Effective communication – Clear concise written and spoken, ability at all levels, customer, supplier and internal
• High Standards – demonstrating a motivation to improve standards and thereby making a real difference, challenging inadequate solutions
• Integrity and trust – demonstrating a sense of commitment to openness, honesty, loyalty and high standards in undertaking the role
• People management – demonstrating commitment to working and engaging constructively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strategic agility – recognition of a changing need and speed of response, rapid reaction to challenges