Process Improvement Engineering Specialist

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Process Improvement Engineering Specialist
Based in West Midlands

Job ref: JH /64609

The Company:

A family owned and run company developing, manufacturing and selling industrial hose, pipes and ducting products based in the West Midlands. For the last 7 years the focus has been applying innovation and passion for quality to the current and future products required by the hose and ducting market. During this time it has grown by 250% and has a plan, supported by further investment, for growth both in the UK and International markets. All products are manufactured in the UK on 30 extruders with up to three on a line, with more being installed in 2026. The business is an engineering led company keen on new processes, capabilities and talent to help drive this innovation.

Job Role:

Reporting to the Technical Director the process engineer will be working on a variety of process improvements, new production lines and supporting new product trials. The focus for the company is to improve process consistency to make higher performance products and reduce scrap whilst also introducing new processes with best practises. This role will be working with an experienced quality and technical team to develop our new training program, new tooling, setting sheets and 5S.

Main responsibilities:

Process Control:

Trial new materials and process improvements then test samples to scientifically assess benefits
Reduce scrap by improving startup procedures, tooling, training
Make sure startup checks and inspections are completed by setters and operators
Check material processing recommendations are being followed using SOPs or setting sheets
Assess extrusion stability from first principles and come up with improvements
Create setting sheets for new products and trials, continuously improve them and monitor if jobs are run to them

Training:

Create training programmes, SOPs, checks
Mentor trainees, sign them off on training levels
Flow charts for processes

OEE:

Monitor and report on machine down time
Reduce machine downtime where possible

Research and Development:

Research for new processes, standards or materials
Research and advise on new equipment for process control and material analysis

Trials:

Monitor trial procedures
Make sure samples are tested, catalogued and despatched to the correct recipients

Teamwork:

Collaborate with operations, quality, IT, maintenance, engineering and senior management to drive factory performance, new processes and improvement projects

Knowledge and Expertise:

Professional qualification (degree or apprenticeship) or part-qualified with relevant experience
Experience in extrusion is required, training will be given in house on how the company manufacture spiral and braided hoses
Good understanding of extruders, extrusion heads and polymers from first principles
Knowledge of extrusion tooling design
Previously written shop floor documents and procedures
Mixture of theory and hands on experience
Proven experience in process and continuous improvement
Strong track record of control and analysis and able to provide quantifiable examples of success in process improvements.

The Person:

A passion for manufacturing and operational improvement
Works well cross functionally with different cultures
Resilience and adaptability
Flexible as will be working between 2 sites in Kitts Green and Coleshill

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

Why select Listgrove?
Five Decades of Market Intelligence
Unrivalled Industry Networks
Recognised International brand
HR Qualified Professionals

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

Performance through People.

Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: (phone number removed)