INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Based in West Midlands
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 Business Improvement Specialist 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.
To apply please contact Jason Hutchison
jason.hutchison@listgrove.com
0044 (0) 1789 207070
Why select Listgrove?
· Five Decades of Market Intelligence
· Unrivalled Industry Networks
· Recognised International brand
· HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.
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.
Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713