Company
W Talent Engineering are working in partnership with an established manufacturer based in Nottinghamshire that is undertaking a significant period of investment and operational transformation.
As part of this investment, the business is introducing new machinery and equipment alongside changes to its factory layout, production flow and manufacturing infrastructure. To support the successful delivery of this programme, we are looking to appoint an experienced Project & Factory Transformation Lead on a 12-month fixed term contract.
This is a hands-on, highly visible role offering genuine ownership of a major manufacturing transformation project, taking responsibility from planning and installation through to commissioning, implementation and operational handover.
The Opportunity
The Project Lead will act as the central point of ownership for the programme, coordinating machinery installations, factory layout changes, suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders.
This role requires somebody who can establish structure, maintain control and drive delivery in a live manufacturing environment.
A key part of the position will be identifying and resolving issues before they impact the wider business. You will act as the primary escalation point for the project, enabling the Senior Leadership Team to remain focused on the day-to-day performance and continued growth of the operation.
You will need to be equally comfortable discussing project progress with senior leadership, coordinating external suppliers and contractors, and working directly with engineering and production teams on the factory floor.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall ownership of the 12-month machinery installation and factory transformation programme.
- Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of new machinery and production equipment installations.
- Manage changes to factory layout, equipment positioning, production flow and associated infrastructure.
- Develop and maintain robust project plans, milestones, critical paths and delivery timelines.
- Coordinate machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers, engineers, contractors and internal teams.
- Manage installation, commissioning, production trials and final operational handover.
- Identify project risks, issues and dependencies early and drive appropriate solutions.
- Act as the primary escalation point for project-related issues.
- Minimise disruption to business-as-usual manufacturing and customer commitments throughout the programme.
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, HSE, Finance and other operational functions.
- Monitor project expenditure and maintain control against agreed budgets.
- Manage contractor and supplier performance, quality and delivery.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments, method statements, documentation and compliance requirements are maintained.
- Provide clear and concise project updates to senior leadership covering progress, risks, costs and key decisions.
- Develop contingency plans where milestones or operational requirements are at risk.
- Identify opportunities to improve factory layout, workflow, manufacturing efficiency and utilisation of space.
- Support the effective embedding of new machinery and processes into the operation.
- Ensure appropriate knowledge transfer and complete a structured project handover at the end of the assignment.
About You
We are looking for an experienced manufacturing project professional who is comfortable taking genuine ownership and accountability for delivery.
You are likely to have delivered projects involving capital investment, machinery installation, factory transformation, manufacturing relocation, site development or significant operational change.
You will be capable of entering a complex project environment, quickly establishing control and structure, and driving activity through to completion.
Experience required
- Proven experience delivering complex manufacturing or industrial projects.
- Experience overseeing the installation and commissioning of new machinery or production equipment.
- Strong understanding of factory layouts, manufacturing operations and production flow.
- Experience managing multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong project management, planning and organisational capability.
- Experience managing contractors, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
- Strong problem-solving capability and the ability to resolve project issues quickly.
- Commercial awareness, including responsibility for project budgets and expenditure.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, from shop-floor teams and engineers through to senior leadership.
- A pragmatic, hands-on approach with the confidence to make decisions and drive delivery.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary on either a fixed term contract or day rate
- True ownership of this exciting project