PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
"A multi-site Production Director role for a well-established, multinational manufacturing company".

C£75-85000 Car Allowance & Benefits

Milton Keynes

Are you an experienced manufacturing production director?

Have you forged a successful career in a continuous process environment?

Would you like to take a key leadership role in a well-established company who are serious about growing their business?

If so, you may be the person our client is looking for to take the reins of their manufacturing operations, split across two sites in Milton Keynes and the East Midlands.

Our client operates a fast-moving, continuous process, converting operation which runs 24 hours a day, five days per week, on a three-shift system. As such, they are looking for someone with significant experience in managing that style of manufacturing operation. You'll be based at their main site in Milton Keynes but will need to spend some time at their sister site in the East Midlands as well.

The business is undergoing a degree of change which can be scary for many employees. So, understanding change management and helping your teams adjust to new working practices will play a significant part in your role. As well as implementing new changes to the operations, you will also need to focus on cost reduction programmes to ensure the company's financial targets are met.

Part of that change programme has been lean manufacturing. Having implemented a lean programme across the business, a core part of your role will be to lead their improvement projects using tools like CI and Six Sigma, plus others you have experience using. As such, you'll be someone who understands manufacturing processes and production efficiencies and how to improve them. Even though they are already operating at a high level, they know that there are always gains to be made. And that's where your people management skills come into play by inspiring your teams to achieve higher performance levels.

Like all continuous process operations, they have a huge focus on preventative maintenance which will form another core responsibility of your role, ensuring machine availability and utilisation remain high. Plus, you will play a key role in our client's new product development process by providing engineering capability and feasibility studies on potential new lines. In addition, you will need to investigate and plan for plant investment to support the future growth of the operations.

The business operates a relatively flat management structure, and you will sit on the senior leadership team of both manufacturing sites. As such, you will be able to influence the business's overall strategy, working closely with your fellow directors and the works council to create the best roadmap for the future. In addition, your ability to build close links with the commercial team will be essential to maintaining customer service standards without increasing stock levels.

As for your background, our client envisages you will be degree qualified in an engineering discipline and have significant experience in running a continuous process production system. And your specific knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical systems will be of great benefit. As a visionary leader, you will be a visible, hands-on manager who is confident in managing engineering and operational teams of at least 100 including production, planning, quality, health and safety, purchasing and warehousing. You'll be comfortable in empowering your teams and providing mentoring and coaching to develop their skillsets. In addition, you'll enjoy building excellent working relationships with the supervisor teams and works council.

Also, with this role sitting in the leadership team, our client feels you will need a working knowledge of company finances and an analytical approach to managing costs in the business.

As you can imagine, we have plenty more to discuss about this role, so please submit your details, quoting reference LX 1046380 or call us on 44 (0)1905 381 320.

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER - SOUTH - HOUSEBUILDER CHANNEL

"A Regional Sales Manager role for an innovative manufacturer of MMC Products."

£40-45000 (Dependent On Experience) 20% Bonus Car/Allowance

Field Based Hybrid Role -

M3, M25, M4, M23 Corridor Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Thames Valley

If you had the choice between selling:

a) Standard building products that are the same as a million other companies' products.

b) A highly desirable, innovative MMC product.

Which would you pick?

If you went for option a) then, sorry, you're not the person our client is looking for. Enjoy trying to find the unique selling point of a brick.

However, if you chose option b), you could be a good match for this role. Because that's the essence of our client's business and they want to grow their company by increasing sales.

So, that's where you come in.

They want you to focus on building relationships with architects, housebuilders, and ground workers to position their products early in the process. The ultimate aim is to create long-term relationships where our client's products are specified in the initial plans.

As for your background, there is a technical element to this role which you'll need to understand when talking to clients. So, a building and construction qualification would be perfect, but our client is also happy to consider your experience in the construction industry. The main point is that you will understand the tendering process in the industry and know how to specification sell.

Ultimately, a core characteristic will be your drive and ambition to beat your sales targets and grow with the business.

This is primarily a field-based role, covering the Southern Home Counties in/around M3, M25, M4, M23 so if you are located in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Thames Valley this would be an ideal role for you.

So, to start the process, please submit your CV, quoting reference LX 1050102 or call us on 44 (0)1905 381 320.

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER - MIDLANDS & NORTH - HOUSEBUILDER CHANNEL

"A Regional Sales Manager role for an innovative manufacturer of MMC Products."

£40-45000 (Dependent On Experience) 20% Bonus Car/Allowance

Field Based Hybrid Role

M5/M6 Corridor - West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire

If you had the choice between selling:

a) Standard building products that are the same as a million other companies' products.

b) A highly desirable, innovative MMC product.

Which would you pick?

If you went for option a) then, sorry, you're not the person our client is looking for. Enjoy trying to find the unique selling point of a brick.

However, if you chose option b), you could be a good match for this role. Because that's the essence of our client's business and they want to grow their company by increasing sales.

So, that's where you come in.

They want you to focus on building relationships with architects, housebuilders, and ground workers to position their products early in the process. The ultimate aim is to create long-term relationships where our client's products are specified in the initial plans.

As for your background, there is a technical element to this role which you'll need to understand when talking to clients. So, a building and construction qualification would be perfect, but our client is also happy to consider your experience in the construction industry. The main point is that you will understand the tendering process in the industry and know how to specification sell.

Ultimately, a core characteristic will be your drive and ambition to beat your sales targets and grow with the business.

This is primarily a field-based role, covering the Southern Home Counties in/around M5/M6 corridor so if you are located in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire this would be an ideal role for you.

So, to start the process, please submit your CV, quoting reference LX 1052946 to or call us on 44 (0)1905 381 320.

INTERIM HR ADVISOR - EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (3 MONTHS FTC - HYBRID WORKING)

C£33,500 PRO RATA (OUTSIDE IR35)

High Wycombe (Hybrid Working 3 days on site 2 working from home)

Commutable by road or rail from High Wycombe, Amersham, Greater London, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Maidenhead, Aylesbury, Chalfont St Giles, Slough, Stokenchurch, Great Missenden, Chesham, Cookham, Bourne End, Uxbridge

Our client is a well-known High-Street Retailer, part of a multinational group and operates nearly 1000 stores in the UK. It is consistently recognised as an Employer of Choice and a Top-rated UK Workplace.

As Interim HR Advisor focused on Employee Relations you will be responsible for the following:

* Deal with day-to-day people queries at all levels by phone, email and in person, ensuring that Company policies and procedures are followed and ensure legal compliance.

* Provide advice to line managers on all people related issues, including but not limited to guidance of absence, lateness, performance, disciplinary and grievance issues, and flexible working, ensuring HR policies and processes are applied fairly and consistently

* Write comprehensive, accurate and timely outcome letters to all formal meetings. Maintain all paperwork in relation to employee relations issues accurately and in a timely manner

* CIPD qualified to a minimum Level 3 and keen to continue professional studies.

* Up-to-date and thorough knowledge of employment legislation and its practical application in a commercial fast-moving environment.

To apply without delay, please send your CV, quoting reference LX1052874

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - FMCG RETAIL CHANNEL

"A Key Account Manager position in an established, Global premium homewares business"

£30-40000 (Dependent on Experience/Negotiable) + 20% Bonus + Car Allowance & Benefits

Hybrid  National Field/Home Based Role - HO in Thames Valley/Oxfordshire

Having carved a successful career in sales, you'll have learned that there's nothing more depressing than trying to sell a low-quality, cheap, mass-produced product. You end up clutching at straws trying to sell obvious features like, "Our tables have four legs and a wipe-clean surface". Not easy, is it?

So, imagine selling a premium product range where every aspect of the user's experience is carefully considered and built into the design. Speciality homeware that immediately sells itself on its striking visual appeal and functionality.

Sound like a better prospect?

Having already established their brand in high-end retailers like John Lewis, our client is now focusing on building relationships with other quality retail outlets. And that's where you'll come in with your existing knowledge of selling into companies like QVC, Robert Dyas, Argos, Dunelm, Very, Next, or Homebase, to name but a few.

However, as well as creating business with new customers, there are many opportunities to increase sales with existing customers who aren't aware of our client's complete product range.

As for you, our client is relaxed about your qualifications. But excellent written and verbal communications skills will be essential to your success in this role. In addition, you must have previous experience managing key accounts with major retailers. Location isn't too important as this is primarily a field-based role, but you will need to be able to attend the company HQ in Oxfordshire.

To indicate your interest in this role, please submit your details, quoting reference LX 1045846 or call us on 44 (0)1905 381 320.

INTERIM WAREHOUSE PROJECT MANAGER (6-12 months - Imminent Start)

Day Rate £350-450 (outside IR35)

Location: Hybrid - Split between North West & South West area & Home Working

Our client, a wholesale distributor, is at the cutting edge of the renewable and alternative energy sector and has significant and growing market share through its unrivalled product quality and service value proposition. Its customer base includes B2C and B2B. There has never been a better time to join them and to play a key role in the expansion of its warehousing and distribution capacity, initially across the UK and then Europe.

The first stage of this is an overhaul of the facility in North West, followed by an investment in a new facility in the Bristol area. Tentative further plans exist for additional capacity in the UK. Additionally, the business is expanding its operation in Europe, namely Germany.

The Role

As an experienced warehousing design and project manager with previous warehousing operational leadership skills this will be the ideal opportunity for you.

Initially you will take the lead on a portfolio of small improvement and optimisation projects, such as temporary canopies, warehouse layout improvements, racking upgrades, pallet handling solutions, packaging equipment upgrades, etc. Quickly the role we extend into supporting the fit out and opening of a new 90000 sq ft warehouse in the Bristol Area and a replacement site in the Lancashire area. The role will support the Warehouse Managers and Operations Manager with project planning and control of the new warehouse commissioning IT equipment and systems, and the recruitment, induction, and training of the teams.

* Effective Planning and Coordination of a portfolio mini-improvement projects running concurrently from concept to operations, including market evaluation, sourcing, design, installation, implementation, process documentation and training.

* Project oversight, on behalf of our client, for new build fit outs, commissioning and go live, including liaising with single point fit out contractor on c£1m fit out budget

* Responsible for controlling budgets and change management requests to design and let work packages.

* Managing the connection and on-going service packages for Utilities, Security / Fire

* Manage Risks to projects in terms of cost, timescale, and business impact.

The Ideal Candidate

* 5yrs Project Management experience

* 5yrs Working in a Warehouse on the "shop floor" as an operational leader

* Understands the concept of designing and operating a Lean focused Warehouse with equipment investment to improve efficiency e.g., Pallet Handling System, Auto Wrapper / Banders

* Must have been involved in a Warehouse Opening or Warehouse Move

* Ideally been involved in a Warehouse Management System (WMS) implementation

* Safety qualification, IOSH as a minimum, ideally NEBOSH

* Qualified in the principles of Project Management e.g., Project Definition Workshops and Reports, Gantt Planning, Risk Logs, Flash Reports etc

* Some experience of Supplier & Contractor Management, including evaluation of designs and quotations and negotiation of supply and service agreements.

* A portfolio of career examples of hands-on warehouse related project management / improvement activity.

* An understanding of the the broader context of the warehouse in the end-to-end supply chain, that stretches from a Far East Factory to the UK to B2C and B2B customers for installation.

* Excellent Communication skills, both with cross functional colleagues and Contractors and Suppliers.

* Problem solving and logical reasoning, whilst being calm under pressure and attention to detail, and a completer finisher.

* Systems and Data literate, including basic analysis of data in spreadsheets and creation and presentation of KPI's, Metric and Graphics.

Positive attitude.

* Mobile and flexible, willing to travel between the North West, South West, occasionally Europe and working from Home

CHEMICAL PROCESS ENGINEER

£Very Competitive Dependent on Experience) Bonus Benefits Relocation Assistance

"Fantastic career development opportunity for degree educated Chemical Engineer"

Location: East Lothian, Scotland

Commutable from Edinburgh, Berwick upon Tweed, Dunbar, North Berwick, Haddington, East Linton, Musselburgh, South Queensferry, Livingston, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Bathgate, Relocation assistance may be available.

This is an exciting career development opportunity for a degree educated and ambitious Chemical Engineer to join the plant optimisation team of a UK market leader.

Working closely with production, maintenance, project and environmental management colleagues, you will focus on plant performance to enable the plant to achieve its Health Safety Environment and Quality (HSEQ) and performance objectives. The main elements of the role are to:

• Maintain high safety standards and effectively coach and challenge others to work safely.
• Monitor key process parameters, identify actions and define instructions to deal with deviations from targets.
• Conduct day to day and longer term investigations to improve performance and optimise plant operations.
• Implement systems, tools and procedures to optimise the production process.
• Support, and where appropriate lead, multidisciplinary teams, projects, Plant Improvement Plans (PIP) and other initiatives to meet business targets.
• Build and maintain positive relations with other teams to achieve the plant's goals

The Ideal Applicant:

• Degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or related subject
• IOSH qualification or willing to work towards.
• IChemE associated - working towards or willing to attain chartered engineer status
• At least 2-3 years minimum proven experience in chemical process engineering and plant performance improvement. Cement production industry experience would be highly advantageous.
• Strong IT skills, proficient in the use of Pi and MS office packages
• Environmental awareness in relation to developing a positive impact on the business.
• Strong knowledge of the physico-chemical products.
• Good knowledge of process control methods and statistical methods for troubleshooting.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Competent to assist the development of production operators to enhance the effectiveness of the process.
• High safety standards and a wide knowledge of Health and Safety management techniques (e.g. Risk Assessments).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Persuasion and influencing skills

Our client offers excellent development and the opportunity to make a real difference in a business that really values its people. Relocation assistance will also be considered.

To apply without delay, please email your CV for quoting reference LX 865409

PRODUCTION MANAGER

"Excellent opportunity to for lean engineering professional to join key strategic site within a market leader as P:roduction Manager".

£Very Competitive Bonus & Benefits including Relocation Assistance

East Lothian, Scotland

Commutable from: Edinburgh, Berwick upon Tweed, Dunbar, North Berwick, Haddington, East Linton, Musselbergh, South Queensferry, Livingston, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Bathgate, Glasgow, Coatbridge

Our client is a market leader within the construction materials sector and operates several plants in the UK.
Our client is a seeking degree educated Production Manager at a strategically important site located in Scotland. The site is currently focused on transformation including equipment upgrade to streamline processes, improve cost effectiveness and efficiency in order to meet rising volumes/throughput. You will play a key role in driving the production department's contributions and changes to support plant performance and reliability goals. Ideally you will have previous heavy industrial processing operations/production coordination or management experience and will be experienced at managing shift teams, contractors and day support teams. You will be familiar with working cross functionally with colleagues across maintenance and process optimisation as well senior management on site.

The Role:
As Assistant Production Manager you will be responsible for managing the operation of the Shift teams to optimise performance, improve reliability and achieve the works and departmental KPIs and objectives for safety, housekeeping, environment, quality, production, and costs.

This will also include performance monitoring and incident investigation relating to shift production activities. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will also supervise the department's day support teams and contractors on routine tasks.

The role will also require effective coordination with the maintenance engineering and process optimisation teams to improve performance and develop the reliability strategy.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Educated to minimum HND/University degree in Engineering
• NEBOSH Certificate preferred. Experience of ISO 14001 an ISO 18001 highly advantageous.
• At least 5 years' experience in a supervisory or management role within a heavy industrial manufacturing/ production operations environment.
• Strong people management skills, preferably at least 3 years' experience of managing a function or team in a results orientated environment.
• Excellent knowledge of a heavy industrial Manufacturing Process and/or Production operations eg cement, bricks, chemicals, steel, glass, building materials, energy/power or similar
• High awareness of safety, quality and environmental issues. Lean CI approach.
• An understanding of maintenance practices and requirements would be an advantage.
• Computer Literate in MS Office packages, Pi and Maximo or SAP

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package including bonus.
To apply, without delay, please email your CV quoting reference LX 949205

MRO Field Service Planning & Logistics Coordinator - Inverness, Highlands

"A challenging opportunity for a field service planning and logistics coordinator to undertake resource planning and work schedule allowance to a national, remotely based, field service MRO maintenance and repair team."

Salary c£28000 Excellent Benefits

Location: Inverness, Highlands, Scotland

Are you looking for a role that is office based with Hybrid working available?

How would you like to be a part of one of the world's leading renewable energy companies?

As a result of continued growth, they now require a Field Service Planning & Logistics Coordinator.

Our client needs someone with your experience of planning and coordination for its national field service maintenance and repair team. You will undertake resource planning allocating and planning work schedules to cover both planned maintenance and repair of its equipment. You will work with an internal technical support and customer account to ensure that remotely and regionally based 2-man teams of field service maintenance and repair technicians are accurately and efficiently dispatched to undertake work across various regions and multiple locations in the UK & Scotland ensuring excellent customer service.

The role of Field Service Planning & Logistics Coordinator would suit an individual who has excellent teamworking skills and who are, by nature, proactive and diplomatic.

The Role:

• Coordinate and plan the movements of service technicians undertaking mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair including emergency repair of equipment, ensuring their travel route and schedule is effective and efficient. Being mindful of individual capabilities/ skill sets. The objective being to have the right skill set with the right tools/materials in appropriate vehicle to access site and deliver the specific scope of work.
• Maintain consistent, positive and effective communication with in-house technicians to ensure smooth transition of teams to faults & planned preventative maintenance works
• Ensure that all necessary resources are planned to ensure efficient maintenance schedules and no lost time.
• Planning on going maintenance alongside daily emergency repair planning whilst still monitoring and updating the overall maintenance service plan.
• Day to day contact with customers relating to operational and equipment breakdown related service queries.
• Arranging induction requirements for technicians where sites require, ahead of attendance
• Liaison with Statutory Inspection coordinator when planning to avoid site conflicts of interest
• Provide effective manpower handover to the internal technical support team at the end of the working day to ensure effective continuation of service including updates on daily events and issues where required
• Work with the team leaders and Area Managers to organise and promote on call duties and rotas for weekends, bank holidays and other cover where required. Ensure there is full coverage and support for weekend working and cover
• To keep track of where outdoor employees are at any given time. Manage outdoor employees' bookings on and off as part of Health & Safety/ duty of care
• To keep a record of service technician's sickness, other absences, training courses and working hours
• Authorise technicians' holidays making sure that you always check their current entitlement beforehand
• If and where necessary, provide a tactful and empathetic response to technician's questions and queries

The Ideal Candidate:

• Educated to A level/HND/Degree level in business administration, logistics or engineering
• Currently undertaking a resource planning and coordination role within field service engineering, maintenance and repair operations, logistic/traffic planning, warehousing/distribution, or other similar environments.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, used to multi-tasking dealing with planned schedules of work e.g. maintenance and also emergency issues such as repairs or urgent despatches.
• Confident and used to liaising and communicating with remotely based employees or employees who are going to be out in the field undertaking repairs or making deliveries.
• Highly customer service focused and used to communicating with and updating customers in a timely, tactful, and diplomatic manner.
• A team player used to working cross functionally with colleagues in engineering/logistics, technical support, and customer service to ensure that our client's customer service promises are met.
• Calm and professional manner.
• A good geographical knowledge of the UK.
• Systems literate to undertake planning. MS office proficient, SAP experience, SCADA usage would be advantageous.

In return our client offers a competitive base salary plus benefits including hybrid working available.

SENIOR BUYER/CATEGORY SPECIALIST -FM & CORPORATE/SITE SERVICES

"Graduate calibre, CIPS qualified Senior Buyer/ Category Specialist or Category Manager sought by global energy leader."

C£50-58000 (Dependent on Experience) Bonus Excellent Blue Chip Benefits Package

Location: North West (Hybrid Working)

Commutable from Ellesmere Port, Mold, Wrexham, Birkenhead, Wallasey, Chester, Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Liverpool, Crewe, Knutsford, Macclesfield, South Manchester, Wigan, Newton le Willows, Leigh, Heywood, Skelmersdale.

This is a permanent career development opportunity for a graduate calibre, CIPS qualified procurement professional to join a global multinational energy environment within its indirect spend area covering corporate and site services. Our client is a multi-site manufacturing/processing and complex matrix organisation.
Our client has an opportunity for a Senior Buyer/Category Specialist for its Indirect Services Category Management team. Specifically, you will support categories such as Corporate & Professional Services, Site Services, Facilities Management, Engineering, MRO, Operational Support and Consumables with tactical and operational buying activities.
The Senior Buyer/Category Specialist will operate as part of a large procurement category management team, and will work closely with national, European and global divisions and business units.

The Role:

• The delivery of agreed category plans through the execution of strategic sourcing projects to meet business partner requirements, maximizing value for our client.
• Contributing to the development of category plans by creating and owning sub-category plans
• Support the development of medium to long range category plans and be able to influence the development of value delivery plans through knowledge of local needs and local supply markets.
• The implementation of strategic sourcing and supplier management activities to deliver in year value as well as using knowledge of local needs and supplier capabilities to contribute to the development of long-range category plans developed using standard company tools and communicated through the appropriate governance models.
• Savings delivery is a critical component of the role and Senior Buyer will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of reporting and management of value outlooks in standard company reporting tools.
• Collaborate with project specific stakeholders to ensure change management is efficient and effective to guarantee sustainable value delivery.
• Change management is a key challenge in the role and Senior Buyers must have expert influencing and negotiation skills alongside key technical competencies relating to procurement transactional planning, commercial contract management and supplier relationship management.
• Senior Buyers will provide the first line of supplier performance management activities to ensure sustainable and secure supply of goods and services to support ongoing safe and effective operation of facilities.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Will be university degree educated, part or fully qualified CIPS, with previous multinational strategic commercial procurement, buying and sourcing experience ideally within indirect categories, although experience in direct categories would still be of interest.
• Commercial procurement/tactical and strategic buying experience gained within a multinational matrix organisation.
• Currently working as a Buyer, Senior Buyer, Category Specialist or Category Manager for a large matrix organisation.
• Experienced in sourcing, negotiation, and management of £multi million spend categories.
• Experienced in developing strategic category plans.
• A proven track record of working with senior stakeholders across multiple sites.
• Self-starter, with lots of initiative, drive, and ambition to succeed.
• Confidence and capability Must be able to influence at all levels of the organisation through strong relationship management.
• Excellent analytical, research, communication, and presentation skills.
• Excellent team working ability, particularly with suppliers and sourcing managers.
• Ability to develop and manage strong relationships both internally and externally (e.g. suppliers).
• Highly motivated with a drive for results - performance focussed.
• Strong integrity ensuring procurement operates to high standards and is fully trusted by its internal and external stakeholders.
• Naturally analytical and inquisitive.
• Experience of SAP/SAP Ariba procurement systems essential.
• Demonstrate attention to detail to derive accurate and insightful recommendations.

Our client offers excellent development and the opportunity to make a real difference in a business that really values its people.
To apply without delay, please email your CV quoting reference LX 967278