Production Analytics & Improvement Manager

Xtrac Ltd; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive transmission manufacturer in Thatcham is seeking a Production Analytics & Improvement Manager to lead data-driven decision-making and operational improvements in high-performance manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in precision manufacturing and data analysis tools, along with a degree in a related field. This role offers the opportunity to impact significant initiatives aligning with the transition to electric vehicles.

Benefits

Pension Contribution

Life Assurance

Private Health Care

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible Working for Some Roles

Company Events

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in data analysis tools.
• Success in leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Analyse performance data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Train teams on new digital tools for operational effectiveness.

Skills

Data analysis

Operational excellence

Lean or Six Sigma

Team engagement

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Production Analytics & Improvement Manager

Job Title: Production Analytics & Improvement Manager

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Xtrac is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.

Xtrac also has a new partnership with Zoerkler, a specialist in gear manufacture and precision engineering. This strategic venture marks a significant step forward in our ambitious growth plans and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class transmission components and systems to our customers.

About the Role

The Production Analytics &Improvement Manager will drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement in the manufacturing of high-performance transmissions. This role is responsible for coordinating all operational performance metrics, coordinating operational optimisation efforts and the generation of long-term investment plans. The ideal candidate has strong analytical capabilities, a solid understanding of precision manufacturing, and a passion for operational excellence and delivery of complex projects.

Day to Day

Production Analytics & Insights

• Analyse performance data from machining, assembly, and test operations to identify bottlenecks, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop balanced scorecards through to interactive shopfloor-based tools to provide visibility and decision support to shop floor and leadership teams.

Digital Manufacturing & Systems Roll Out

• Enhance data integration and analytics from manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, machine monitoring platforms such as Seiki) to provide operational insight.
• Champion the use of digital tools to increase visibility, traceability, and proactive decision-making on the shop floor through to Executive leadership
• Set out a clear roadmap to identify and select the best in class approaches to develop a digital twin and integrate Industry 4.0 techniques into the business operations.

Manufacturing Growth Strategy

• Develop a clear business led manufacturing investment strategy, ensuring it can deliver both operational and financial performance against the future targeted operating model.
• Work with Operations leadership and manufacturing engineering to define optimum equipment selection, factory layouts and implementation plans
• Define the clear Return on Investment of each scenario and support the presentation of the strategy to Executive leadership and shareholders

Operational Improvement

• Coordinate all ongoing initiatives to reduce variation and improve process capability in gear cutting, machining, assembly, and testing to increase output and reduce cost
• Drive cross-functional improvement projects, including layout optimization, tooling upgrades, and automation initiatives.
• Support ramp-up of new product lines and process changes through data modelling, capacity planning, and risk analysis.

Team Engagement & Capability Building

• Train supervisors and operators on new digital tools and be an advocate to improve digital literacy and the embedding of improvement projects and initiatives.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement across production teams across multiple sites.

AOB

• Provide solutions for any roadblocks to Operational activity.
• Determine the right course of action to ensure the operational optimisation is achieved.
• You will be able to build appropriate professional, collaborative, friendly and accessible relationships with your team, peers and line managers.
• You will be comfortable with both verbal and written communications. You will represent the Operational function supporting the COO, Operations Director and each plant leader in their interfacing with commercial, finance, project management, engineering and operations colleagues.
• You will be able to use your skills and experience to mentor and those around you and educate colleagues in the wider business functions.

About You

• Degree level in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably with high-precision components such as transmissions, drivetrains, or engines.
• Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, SQL, or similar); comfortable interpreting production KPIs.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with ERP and MES platforms; knowledge of machine connectivity and IoT is a plus. (Epicor and Seiki experience is an advantage)

About Xtrac

Here at Xtrac, we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive Transmission Solutions. Our products are used internationally across the most prestigious motorsport events so naturally we have a passion for winning and continuously improving, whether that be our products, our people, or our business. Our vision is to transform into a world class high performance automotive supplier whilst retaining our position as a world leader in motorsport, so now is the time to join our journey, make an impact and contribute to the success of our future.

What makes us who we are is our people. We share behaviours and values to ensure Xtrac remain world class and have a culture that delivers!

We are…

Accountable

Externally Focused

Yearn to Learn

If you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.

DEI Statement

Xtrac believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a key driver of innovation, growth and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including to but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion disability and veteran status. We recognise that diverse teams are more creative, collaborative and effective in solving complex problems and driving positive change.

Xtrac are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and development, and advancement opportunities for all employees. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we not only strengthen our organisation but also enrich the experience of our employees and the communities we serve.

Join us at Xtrac and be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual. Together we will drive innovation, excellence and success.

Company benefits include

Pension Contribution

Life Assurance

Private Health Care

Eye Care Assistance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Company Events

On-site Parking

Reward & Recognition Incentives

Flexible Working for Some Roles

Salary Sacrifice Electric Car Scheme

Free Safety Workwear

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At Xtrac we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and an environment where people can come to work to be themselves. We collect information about job applicants to ensure that we are attracting a diverse candidate pool, and we use that information to assess if applications and success rates reflect the targets we have set ourselves. This information is held anonymously, confidentially and separately to the remainder of your application and is in no way used to make any recruitment decisions.