Operational Excellence & Capital Projects Engineer (CAPEX)

Lead Manufacturing Growth & Expansion Projects

A leading advanced manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence & Capital Projects Engineer (CAPEX) to support the next phase of its operational growth.

This is a newly created role with significant visibility across the business, focused on identifying manufacturing constraints, assessing future capacity requirements, applying Lean Manufacturing principles and developing investment business cases that support operational growth.

Working closely with engineering, operations and commercial teams, you'll play a key role in shaping the future manufacturing footprint of the organisation through facility, equipment and infrastructure investment.

The Role

You'll be responsible for identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing capacity, throughput and operational performance through a combination of Lean Manufacturing methodologies and capital investment projects.

From Value Stream Mapping and capacity analysis through to equipment installation, factory layout optimisation and project delivery, you'll help ensure the business is prepared to support future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Projects & Manufacturing Investment

• Develop business cases and investment proposals to secure funding for manufacturing expansion and improvement projects.
• Lead capital projects from concept through to installation, commissioning and operational handover.
• Specify, source and implement new manufacturing equipment, systems and infrastructure.
• Establish and lead cross-functional project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, risks and stakeholder expectations.
• Evaluate return on investment and support decision-making for future manufacturing investments.

Operational Excellence & Capacity Planning

• Conduct Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process flow analysis to identify manufacturing constraints and improvement opportunities.
• Assess manufacturing capacity requirements and identify opportunities for future growth.
• Develop manufacturing strategies that support business objectives and increasing production demand.
• Create forecasting models to support future investment and resource planning.
• Optimise factory layouts, material flow and production systems to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Monitor operational KPIs including productivity, OEE, downtime and capacity utilisation.
• Identify and implement initiatives that improve manufacturing capability and operational performance.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement techniques to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Lead Kaizen activities and operational improvement projects.
• Support change management initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Drive best practice across project delivery, manufacturing engineering and operational excellence.
• Contribute to risk assessments, process reviews and operational governance activities.
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant health, safety and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Degree, HND or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering capital projects within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience developing business cases and securing approval for manufacturing investments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems and plant layouts.
• Experience conducting Value Stream Mapping (VSM), process mapping or manufacturing flow analysis.
• Experience driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of capacity planning, throughput improvement and manufacturing performance analysis.

Desirable

• Experience within aerospace, defence, automotive, FMCG or other highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Six Sigma, Kaizen and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience with automation, PLC-controlled equipment, robotics or process engineering.
• Understanding of machinery safety regulations and industrial compliance requirements.
• Exposure to COMAH, hazardous manufacturing environments or process safety frameworks.
• Experience introducing new production lines, equipment or manufacturing capability.

About You

You'll be an ambitious engineering professional who enjoys solving complex operational challenges and delivering projects that make a tangible impact. Comfortable working across multiple disciplines, you'll combine technical expertise with strong commercial awareness, Lean Manufacturing knowledge and project leadership capability.

You'll be equally comfortable analysing manufacturing performance through VSM and capacity studies as you are delivering capital projects and leading equipment installations on the factory floor.