Operational Excellence & Engineering Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operational Excellence & Engineering Manager to lead continuous improvement, maintenance, and engineering performance at our Port Talbot factory. We produce specialist bacteria for silage additives and carry out blending and packaging of forage and feed additives, supplying customers worldwide. This role reports to Jess Roberts, Factory Manager 

About the role

This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on support. You’ll lead preventive maintenance and CI initiatives, manage one Maintenance Technician, and coach Process Technicians — while dedicating around 20% of your time to urgent breakdowns. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable operations at a site with global reach. You’ll be empowered to deliver measurable improvements, shape future ways of working, and grow both your leadership and technical expertise.

Principle Responsibilities
  • Driving continuous improvement and lean initiatives across the site.
  • Ensuring reliable plant performance through proactive maintenance planning.
  • Leading rapid problem-solving, root cause analysis, and Kaizen events.
  • Championing compliance with FAMI-QS, UFAS, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, and HACCP.
  • Embedding a 5S and safety-first culture throughout engineering and production areas.
Skills Required

We’re looking for a time-served engineer (or HNC/HND/Degree qualified) with experience in a regulated manufacturing environment. You’ll bring:

  • A strong background in maintenance and engineering reliability.
  • Proven experience in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement.
  • The ability to lead audits, manage contractors, and ensure compliance.
  • A hands-on, structured, and resilient approach to problem-solving.
  • Confidence in coaching and mentoring others to raise capability.
How to Apply

If you’re excited by the challenge of combining engineering excellence with continuous improvement, please contact Amanda Powell 
amanda.powell@volac.com to receive a copy of the full job description. 
Applications (CV & Cover Letter) should be submitted to Amanda by Monday 3rd October.

See also