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Job Title: Production Analytics & Improvement Manager
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Xtrac is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.
Xtrac also has a new partnership with Zoerkler, a specialist in gear manufacture and precision engineering. This strategic venture marks a significant step forward in our ambitious growth plans and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class transmission components and systems to our customers.
About the Role
The Production Analytics & Improvement Manager will drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement in the manufacturing of high-performance transmissions. This role is responsible for coordinating all operational performance metrics, coordinating operational optimisation efforts and the generation of long-term investment plans. The ideal candidate has strong analytical capabilities, a solid understanding of precision manufacturing, and a passion for operational excellence and delivery of complex projects.
Day to Day
Production Analytics & Insights
- Analyse performance data from machining, assembly, and test operations to identify bottlenecks, trends, and improvement opportunities.
- Develop balanced scorecards through to interactive shopfloor-based tools to provide visibility and decision support to shop floor and leadership teams.
Digital Manufacturing & Systems Roll Out
- Enhance data integration and analytics from manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, machine monitoring platforms such as Seiki) to provide operational insight.
- Champion the use of digital tools to increase visibility, traceability, and proactive decision-making on the shop floor through to Executive leadership
- Set out a clear roadmap to identify and select the best in class approaches to develop a digital twin and integrate Industry 4.0 techniques into the business operations.
Manufacturing Growth Strategy
- Develop a clear business led manufacturing investment strategy, ensuring it can deliver both operational and financial performance against the future targeted operating model.
- Work with Operations leadership and manufacturing engineering to define optimum equipment selection, factory layouts and implementation plans
- Define the clear Return on Investment of each scenario and support the presentation of the strategy to Executive leadership and shareholders
Operational Improvement
- Coordinate all ongoing initiatives to reduce variation and improve process capability in gear cutting, machining, assembly, and testing to increase output and reduce cost
- Drive cross-functional improvement projects, including layout optimization, tooling upgrades, and automation initiatives.
- Support ramp-up of new product lines and process changes through data modelling, capacity planning, and risk analysis.
Team Engagement & Capability Building
- Train supervisors and operators on new digital tools and be an advocate to improve digital literacy and the embedding of improvement projects and initiatives.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement across production teams across multiple sites.
AOB
- Provide solutions for any roadblocks to Operational activity.
- Determine the right course of action to ensure the operational optimisation is achieved.
- You will be able to build appropriate professional, collaborative, friendly and accessible relationships with your team, peers and line managers.
- You will be comfortable with both verbal and written communications. You will represent the Operational function supporting the COO, Operations Director and each plant leader in their interfacing with commercial, finance, project management, engineering and operations colleagues.
- You will be able to use your skills and experience to mentor and those around you and educate colleagues in the wider business functions.
About You
- Degree level in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably with high-precision components such as transmissions, drivetrains, or engines.
- Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, SQL, or similar); comfortable interpreting production KPIs.
- Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma.
- Familiarity with ERP and MES platforms; knowledge of machine connectivity and IoT is a plus. (Epicor and Seiki experience is an advantage)
We are…
Passionate
Accountable
Collaborative
Externally Focused
Yearn to Learn
If you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.
