Manufacturing Specialist Location: Cornwall (home-based but must be able to attend regular client meetings in person) Job type: Full-time (reduced hours considered on a case-by-case basis) Duration: Permanent Salary: £54,000 per annum plus excellent benefits Job Overview Oxford Innovation Advice is a commercial organisation recognised as market leading specialists in SME business growth support and development. We are a national Company but, having delivered multiple successful projects since 2009, are firmly established as a key provider of advisory services to businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Working in partnership with the University of Cambridge and their Institute of Manufacturing, this ground-breaking new programme, ‘Digitisation for Manufacturers’, is transforming SME manufacturing by increasing digital adoption across business operations. To deliver this exciting new venture we are now recruiting for experienced people with significant experience in production and/or manufacturing operations/engineering or specialist manufacturing business support consultancy. The aim of the roles will be to work with Cornwall & Isles of Scilly based manufacturing businesses to design, develop and execute digital applications-based productivity improvement projects to achieve accelerated growth, improved performance and productivity and the creation of high value jobs. The successful candidates will be provided with thorough training in a unique approach to be able to diagnose needs and implement tailored solutions to improve productivity and processes. They will be able to demonstrate their experience and understanding of the processes like Lean, Continuous Improvement and the challenges faced by manufacturing businesses. They will be a valuable team member providing skills and support and working closely with OI Advice colleagues to deliver the programme to the highest industry standards. We enjoy a reputation for exemplary customer service and the ability to deliver results. Our people are recognised for exceptional skill levels, the ability to get things done and for working in a light touch managerial environment where we trust our employees to perform with minimal supervision. Key Roles and Responsibilities The role will include the following activities: Follow up assigned referrals and conduct an initial assessment of the client’s suitability for the programme. Undertake diagnostic evaluation of client businesses using our market leading GROWTHmapper digital diagnostic (full training will be provided). Establish needs and challenges, designing appropriate solutions. Carry out regular meetings with the client to support the implementation of the agreed plans, reviewing actions, developing and agreeing next steps to ensure the best chances of success. Deliver workshops, as part of the team, covering digital transformation in manufacturing. Embrace and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in client delivery and team performance. Develop close working relationships with internal and external delivery partners. About You Manufacturing and/or Production management/engineering experience relevant to and appropriate for SME’s. You will have well developed analytical skills, and a good understanding of typical SME manufacturing challenges and how they are overcome. You will have an eye for detail. Your skills should include a sound understanding of Lean or Continuous Improvement You should have knowledge of, and ideally experience of, Industry 4.0 applications. Ideally you will have significant experience of working as a senior production/operations and/or engineering manager or as a manufacturing business support consultant. You will be confident and articulate and you will quickly win the trust and respect of our clients. You will be able to present effectively to small groups as well as give confidential advice in a 1:1 setting. The successful candidate will have a drive for quality and have experience in working in a demanding environment, where the willingness to meet the needs of the business, is crucial. You will be educated to degree level (or have equivalent commercial experience). A full driving license and access to a car is essential for this role. You will have sound judgement and take a collaborative and solution focussed approach. Strong active listening, networking and relationship building skills are key to this role, as well as an enthusiasm to undertake internal and external training as required and translate learning into positive interventions with clients. Completing all required CRM and systems in a timely manner is essential as well as the ability to work both independently and with colleagues in the team, supporting in areas where you have specialist knowledge. About Us Oxford Innovation Advice is a dynamic and fast-growing company where a culture of constant innovation and mutual respect delivers bottom line results from within a stimulating, enjoyable and challenging working environment. Part of SQW Group, our sister divisions provide flexible office space for start-up and growing technology companies, Angel investment networks and co-investment fund management plus public policy and economic development consultancy services in the UK, Europe and Asia. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.