Engineering Manager, SPC Rubber UK
SPC Rubber is an advanced and growing international manufacturing company, producing rubber compounds for specialist applications throughout the world. We are renowned for exceptional quality and customer service. With cutting-edge laboratories, advanced manufacturing capability based in three sites in the UK and Spain, and a high calibre of skilled workers and material chemists, we focus on developing the best compound mixes for our global customer base.
Consistently delivering quality is central to our operation and being able to rely on the excellent working order of our machines and equipment is an important part of this.
Position reports to: UK General Manager
Role: As the Engineering Manager you will lead the maintenance and engineering functions across two UK sites (Westbury and Maerdy). You will ensure optimal production uptime, cost-effective operations, and compliance with safety, environmental, and corporate standards. You will manage a team of UK Maintenance Engineers while overseeing engineering projects, including capital expenditure initiatives.
Location: Your work will be divided across our sites at Westbury and Maerdy with an approximate 70% Westbury, 30% Maerdy split.
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Key responsibilities
1. Team & Leadership
· Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing maintenance team.
· Foster a collaborative and motivated team culture, ensuring team cohesion and effective communication.
· Proactively manage and resolve team challenges and maintain positive morale.
· Ensure effective delegation of maintenance tasks and small projects based on team skills and priorities.
2. Engineering & Maintenance Management
· Oversee the daily operation of the maintenance team, ensuring the site’s machinery and systems are fully operational.
· Develop and implement a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedule to minimize unplanned downtime.
· Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
· Coordinate with Production Managers to schedule maintenance and optimize machine uptime.
3. Capital Expenditure (Capex)
· Lead Capex projects, from planning and design to installation and commissioning.
· Prepare the annual Capex budget and manage expenditures for engineering-related works.
· Oversee energy reduction projects and monitor energy usage.
4. Continuous Improvement
· Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality.
· Identify opportunities for cost reduction in operations, manpower, and resources.
· Support cross-functional problem-solving teams as needed.
5. Reporting & Documentation
Report on maintenance team performance and KPIs, ensuring adherence to budgets and timelines.
Provide regular updates on engineering and project activities to senior management.
Document and maintain accurate records for maintenance activities, risk assessments, and project progress.
Requirements
Qualifications
· Degree in an Engineering discipline (Mechanical or Electrical).
· Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems, including pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical distribution, DC/AC drives, and controls.
Skills & Experience
· Proven leadership experience in managing engineering and maintenance teams.
· Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, including Capex initiatives.
· Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and execute tasks under pressure.
· Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and troubleshooting abilities.
· Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working across departments and with external partners.
Personal Attributes
· Self-starter with a proactive, “can-do” attitude.
· Resilient, adaptable, and open to change.
· Focused on achieving targets, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
· Ability to motivate and engage a team to achieve operational success.
Short-Term Objectives
· Integrate into the SPC UK team, familiarising with current processes and systems.
· Gather detailed information on existing equipment and facilities for maintenance and improvement planning.
· Oversee the successful completion of the new calender line installation and achieve performance targets.
· Lead improvements to uptime performance for the automated small chemicals weighing machine.
· Support and deliver Capex projects in line with Group-level engineering strategies.
Ongoing Objectives
· Maintain and improve the engineering team’s processes, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
· Ensure all engineering projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to budget.
· Liaise with contractors and external parties to manage engineering activities and ensure compliance with regulations.
· Promote a culture of safety and ethical behaviour in all engineering and maintenance activities.
· Monitor and manage energy usage and costs across sites.
Key Metrics
· KPIs related to machine uptime, energy cost savings, maintenance budgets, and project delivery.
· Reduction in unplanned downtime and energy usage per unit of production.
Competitive salary.
If you are able to meet our criteria, please submit your Curriculum Vitae. Email Amy.Frere@spc-group.com
We look forward to receiving your application.