Andrew Rushton
Wantage,United Kingdom
Summary
I currently have 33 years of experience in Automotive Manufacturing with the Rover Group, BMW and MINI.
A breadth of manufacturing roles covering quality, and several leadership roles in most paint shop areas, product launch, customer satisfaction, paint shop commissioning and special body builds, this has given me a good understanding of the whole production chain. On a weekly basis I chair several meetings around quality and non conforming parts.
As a good listener, I like to steer and advise colleagues, giving advice on best actions and listening to their views, empowering them to bring more value to the business and to enable common goals to be achieved.
Interests outside of work include classic vehicles, veteran bicycles, travelling abroad, home DIY, classic/retro shows and rock music.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Quality Controller - Paint Shop Finish
BMW Group UK Manufacturing
Oxford, UK
09.2025 - Current
- Identified root cause areas, leading to significant increase in productivity levels.
- Played instrumental role within cross-technology teams aimed at improving overall production performance.
- Built special mock body for precise measurements, increasing overall accuracy levels.
- Conducted investigations into issues or deviations from standards, rectifying problems promptly and efficiently through the escalation process.
- Liaised closely with Body in White and Assembly to guarantee the consistent high-quality of incoming materials used in production processes.
- Provided training for staff to improve their understanding and implementation of quality control on Denib & Polish.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities when addressing complex manufacturing issues that threatened product quality at Contrast roof.
- Supervise special body dispatch, ensuring finished products meet company standards and timing plans for Assembly.
- Review incoming goods against specifications, escalating inadequate materials and finished products.
- Liaised with different departments to address and resolve quality-related issues swiftly.
- Examined project plans and requirements to identify and mitigate potential cost and production problems.
- Promote sustainability with the use of non conforming parts where possible.
Lead Associate - End of line Paint Repair
BMW Group UK
Oxford, Oxfordshire
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Introduced area rotation, not previously managed.
- Improved team cohesion.
- First all clear compliance audit in area.
- Made large cost savings.
- Improved process flow through integrity and trust.
Quality Specialist / Finish & Contrast deputy PL
BMW Group UK
Plant Oxford, UK
01.2004 - 04.2025
- Steering Quality over the last 20 years, through Quality meetings, shift meetings, Gemba and meetings in other technologies. Paint representative across the Plant ensuring Quality incoming, outgoing and in current production is to correct standards, Problem solving and investigation, workshops, inter-technology meetings, process changes, damage control, Direct Run allocations, Tin-smith Lead associate and product auditing abroad for JD Powers.
- Worked in all Paint technologies including Assembly Validation, QE2 and covered the PL role for 3 months in the old QEC paint repair area.
- Supported vehicle delivery centres in Georgia, New Jersey and California totalling nearly 5 months in the USA.
- Conducted root cause analysis on defective units, resolved underlying problems promptly.
- Managed a team, leading to improved communication and collaboration in the department.
- Developed strategies to address product defects, enhancing overall quality performance.
- Drove the implementation of new technologies to improve monitoring capabilities.
- Analysed data to identify areas requiring improvement.
- Delivered timely reports on quality issues for prompt corrective action.
- Investigated quality issues to identify root causes and raise appropriate corrective action.
- Developed training programmes, resulting in increased team proficiency.
Lead Associate & deputy PL - Major Repair
BMW Group UK
Plant Oxford
07.2017 - 01.2018
- General LA duties, Training, Labour planning, Quality control, implementing process changes and ideas, process control, team motivation and discipline, planning, budget control and productivity.
- I also covered as Process Leader for an extended time due to business needs.
- Developed operational procedures to streamline processes.
- Facilitated training programmes to enhance team competence.
- Enhanced team morale by implementing effective communication strategies.
- Initiated welfare programmes, promoting staff well-being.
- Coordinated strategic operations, enhanced mission success rates.
Proprietor
Kingdom Marquees
Wantage
08.2007 - 12.2018
- Set up my own business in 2007 for small to medium Marquee hire
- Total responsibility for running of business, Administration, finance, planning, bookings, insurances, vehicle maintenance, investments, stock control, storage, labour planning, marketing, H&S and maintenance.
- Devised strategic long-term business plans to yield higher ROI and profitability.
- Laid out clear work schedules to maximise efficiency.
- Coordinated daily operations for smoother functionality.
- Improved invoices and billing processes for better financial management.
- Used working capital to cover everyday expenses and growth.
- Liaised with suppliers to build and maintain excellent working relationships.
- Created loyal customer base through outstanding services rendered.
Funeral Services Operator
Dignity Funerals
Wantage / Abingdon / Oxford
01.2005 - 01.2009
- General Funeral duties
- Awarded MOD medal for services rendered during Iraq & Afghanistan repatriation ceremonies at Brize Norton Airfield
- Consistently demonstrated best practices and conformance to company standards and safety regulations.
- Upheld all health and safety regulations for risk reduction.
- Cleaned equipment, identifying potential repair and maintenance needs.
Quality Coordinator - Electrocoat and Seam Seal
BMW Group UK
Plant Oxford
10.2003 - 01.2004
- A temporary assignment to reduce Q.Z scores for Seam Seal, tool trials and new product trials while training and inspecting.
- Conducted root cause analysis investigations, leading to significant reduction in defect rates from Sealer.
Process Area Manager - Finish, Buy-off & Minor
BMW Group UK
Plant Oxford
11.2001 - 10.2003
- Leading a team of 63 associates, general Management duties including Labour planning, Training, Disciplinary procedures, motivation, quality improvement, lean manufacturing, trials and productivity.
- Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives, leading to streamlined operations and cost savings.
- Managed labour planning and materials effectively to reduce unnecessary expenditure.
- Undertook risk assessments regularly ensuring a safe working environment for employees.
- Optimised workflow processes for increased efficiency.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with associates to identify areas needing improvement.
- Proactively addressed potential bottlenecks to maintain production targets.
Team Coordinator - Seam Seal Robots
TR-O-352
Plant Oxford
03.1999 - 11.2001
- General TC duties, Training, Labour planning, Quality control, implementing process changes and ideas, process control, team motivation and discipline, planning, budget control and productivity
- TPM of Robots, cleaning schedules and Process measurements (Control charts, film builds, viscosities).
RD1 Prototype development & New Paint Shop commisioning team Associate
TR-O-3
Plant Oxford
09.1996 - 03.1999
- Product development and Process improvement for Prototype project through build phases
- 5 Month secondment to Regensburg for production needs and training
- Personal control and administration for PSR (Problem Status Resolution) reports with Seam Seal Engineering in conjunction with New Paint Shop commissioning, developed tooling, working ergonomics and process layout for integration of New Model
- One of the very first Associates in to the current Paint Shop.
- Managed supply inventory, preventing shortages that could disrupt workflow.
- Led brainstorming sessions to generate fresh ideas contributing to innovative solutions.
- Performed administrative tasks such as data entry and file management efficiently.
- Liaised with other departments to ensure smooth workflow and inter-departmental cooperation.
- Resolved customer complaints and process issues with proactive problem-solving skills.
Ride and Drive Event Co-ordinator
Sales & Marketing, Vehicle Operations
Gaydon
04.1995 - 05.1995
- Vehicle Support and presentation to Dealerships, co-ordination of vehicles around routes in Lancashire.
Junior Works Operator - YTS
Rover Group
Plant Oxford
09.1992 - 09.1993
- Learning skills throughout different departments in the Factory, Trim Shop, Assembly, QEC and Oxford College of Further education once a week learning Engineering skills.
Education
Pro-lead End Point Assessment - Leadership & Management
Activate Apprenticeships
UK 01.2022 -
BTEC Level 4 HNC Manufacturing operations - Manufacturing operations
Higher National Certificate
Oxford, Oxfordshire 03.2023 - 01.2024
Institute of Leadership & Management Diploma - Supervisory Management
City & Guilds Level 4
Oxford, Oxfordshire 12.2023 - 06.2024
Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate - Supervisory Management
City & Guilds Level 4
Oxford, Oxfordshire 04.2023 - 11.2023
Foundation certificate in Environmental Management - Environmental management
WSP
Oxford, Oxfordshire 05.2022 - 05.2022
Surface layer defects - Paint defects
BASF
Oxford, Oxfordshire 07.2023 - 07.2023
Mathematics at level 2 - Functional skills Mathematics at level 2
Pearson Edexcel
UK 10.2022 - 03.2023
English at level 2 - Functional skills English at Level 2
Pearson Edexcel
UK 10.2022 - 03.2023
Essential HR Management skills - Essential HR Management skills
Make UK Legal Services
UK 05.2022 - 05.2022
Managing Safely - Health & Safety
Institution of Occupational Safety And Health IOSH
UK 05.2022 - 05.2022
Leadership & Management Diploma - One Education - London
One Education
UK 06.2020 - 01.2021
Automotive surface finishing certificate - Materials Finishing
Institute of metal finishing
Birmingham 01.2007 - 01.2008
NEBSM Certification in Management - Supervisory Management
National Examining Board in Supervisory Management
Abingdon College 04.1999 - 04.2000
Certificate in O.E.M Paint materials and applications - PPG Automotive
BirminghamProcess Improvement Leader training - Rover learning businesses
OxfordDiploma in Vehicle Paint (C656) - Merit - Institute of Motor Vehicle Industry training
OxfordNational Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Engineering Manufacture - Engineering competences
City & Guilds of London institute
Oxford, Oxfordshire 06.1991 - 06.1992
Automotive surface finishing - Material applications & methods
Institute of Metal finishing
Oxford, Oxfordshire 05.2007 - 01.2008
Basic Sealer & Pre-treatment technologies - Sealer & Pre-treatment technologies
Henkel Surface Technologies
St.Neots, UK 03.1997 - 03.1997
Course in PPG Automotive materials & applications - Paint application materials
PPG
Birmingham 09.1997 - 09.1997
Process improvement leader training - Process Improvement
Rover learning business
Oxford, Oxfordshire 06.1996 - 12.1996
209 in Engineering fabrication and welding - City & Guilds of London institute
Abingdon College201 in Engineering competences - Industrial studies, Engineering processes, material removal & joining, Assembly & dismantling
City & Guilds of London institute
Oxford, Oxfordshire 06.1991 - 06.1992
Skills
- Basic Engineering Skills
- Leadership Skills including full Pro-Lead
- Cross technology timing and planning
- Ability to work under pressure
- Steering of meetings
- Report writing
- Problem Solving
- Decision making
- Health and safety compliance
- Product inspection
- Process improvement
- Quality control
- Prototype development
- Flexible
- Microscopy skills
- Budget control
- Controlling sustainability
Timeline
Quality Controller - Paint Shop Finish
BMW Group UK Manufacturing
09.2025 - Current
Lead Associate - End of line Paint Repair
BMW Group UK
04.2025 - 09.2025
Institute of Leadership & Management Diploma - Supervisory Management
City & Guilds Level 4
12.2023 - 06.2024
Surface layer defects - Paint defects
BASF
07.2023 - 07.2023
Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate - Supervisory Management
City & Guilds Level 4
04.2023 - 11.2023
BTEC Level 4 HNC Manufacturing operations - Manufacturing operations
Higher National Certificate
03.2023 - 01.2024
Mathematics at level 2 - Functional skills Mathematics at level 2
Pearson Edexcel
10.2022 - 03.2023
English at level 2 - Functional skills English at Level 2
Pearson Edexcel
10.2022 - 03.2023
Foundation certificate in Environmental Management - Environmental management
WSP
05.2022 - 05.2022
Essential HR Management skills - Essential HR Management skills
Make UK Legal Services
05.2022 - 05.2022
Managing Safely - Health & Safety
Institution of Occupational Safety And Health IOSH
05.2022 - 05.2022
Pro-lead End Point Assessment - Leadership & Management
Activate Apprenticeships
01.2022 -
Leadership & Management Diploma - One Education - London
One Education
06.2020 - 01.2021
Lead Associate & deputy PL - Major Repair
BMW Group UK
07.2017 - 01.2018
Proprietor
Kingdom Marquees
08.2007 - 12.2018
Automotive surface finishing - Material applications & methods
Institute of Metal finishing
05.2007 - 01.2008
Automotive surface finishing certificate - Materials Finishing
Institute of metal finishing
01.2007 - 01.2008
Funeral Services Operator
Dignity Funerals
01.2005 - 01.2009
Quality Specialist / Finish & Contrast deputy PL
BMW Group UK
01.2004 - 04.2025
Quality Coordinator - Electrocoat and Seam Seal
BMW Group UK
10.2003 - 01.2004
Process Area Manager - Finish, Buy-off & Minor
BMW Group UK
11.2001 - 10.2003
NEBSM Certification in Management - Supervisory Management
National Examining Board in Supervisory Management
04.1999 - 04.2000
Team Coordinator - Seam Seal Robots
TR-O-352
03.1999 - 11.2001
Course in PPG Automotive materials & applications - Paint application materials
PPG
09.1997 - 09.1997
Basic Sealer & Pre-treatment technologies - Sealer & Pre-treatment technologies
Henkel Surface Technologies
03.1997 - 03.1997
RD1 Prototype development & New Paint Shop commisioning team Associate
TR-O-3
09.1996 - 03.1999
Process improvement leader training - Process Improvement
Rover learning business
06.1996 - 12.1996
Ride and Drive Event Co-ordinator
Sales & Marketing, Vehicle Operations
04.1995 - 05.1995
Junior Works Operator - YTS
Rover Group
09.1992 - 09.1993
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Engineering Manufacture - Engineering competences
City & Guilds of London institute
06.1991 - 06.1992
201 in Engineering competences - Industrial studies, Engineering processes, material removal & joining, Assembly & dismantling
City & Guilds of London institute
06.1991 - 06.1992