Richard Needham
Stroud,Gloucestershire
Summary
Accomplished professional specializing in manufacturing and engineering management with proven expertise in lean manufacturing and KPI management. Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity through strategic process optimization. Established leader with a strong track record in team leadership and customer relationship management, focused on achieving organizational goals.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work history
Site Lead
Muller Blowmoulding
Manchester
2023.10 - 2026.02
- Leading a team of 89 staff, ensuring delivery of site KPIs and budget goals. Improved OEE from 61% to 88+%. Fostered a culture of safety and security. Cultivated strong onsite customer relationships. Championed Muller excellence initiatives to enhance operational performance.
- Improved OEE significantly, achieving over 88%.
- Fostered a safety-first culture across the site.
- Built robust customer relationships to enhance satisfaction.
- Led initiatives to drive operational excellence.
Plant Manager
Logoplaste Coleford
Gloucester
2015.01 - 2023.01
- As Plant Manager, leading a team of approximately 70 staff to achieve KPIs in safety, budget, EBITDA control, and OEE. Directed the largest high-speed PET blowing and injection bottling facility within Logoplaste Coleford, fostering a culture of safety and security. Cultivated strong customer relationships, resulting in contract extensions. Implemented lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency.
- Achieved ISO 14001, BRC (AA+), Green Mark, and Sedex accreditations.
- Enhanced team morale in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
- Drove continuous site improvements and training programs.
- Ensured proper waste management procedures were followed reducing environmental impact.
- Developed contingency plans to minimise disruption during unforeseen events such as power outages or equipment failures.
- Managed personnel scheduling, ensuring continuous operation of the plant.
- Coordinated regular staff meetings, enhancing internal communication and team cohesion.
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Coleford
2010.01 - 2015.01
- I was part of the original 20M new Blowmoulding factory installation project, Oversaw engineering documentation for training on procedures and work instructions. Procured manufacturing equipment, planned manpower allocation, and drove daily production activities to meet schedules. Supervised 13 maintenance staff, ensuring optimal equipment and facility upkeep. Maintained current knowledge of technology and best practices in plant management.
- Manage engineering changes through SAP systems.
- Enhanced methods and procedures for documentation and workflow techniques.
- Led site start-up project, overseeing building, installation, and commissioning.
- Achieved £1.2m R&M budget accountability with proven savings track record.
- Handled budgeting responsibilities, ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Optimised resource allocation for maximised project output.
- Directed troubleshooting procedures, minimising equipment downtime,.
- Implemented risk management protocols for safety enhancement.
- Facilitated training sessions, enhancing staff technical skills.
- Led cost reduction initiatives with strategic planning.
- Presented technical reports to stakeholders for informed decision-making,.
- Prioritised workloads to meet tight deadlines,.
- Identified and resolved technical issues, improving product quality.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment to boost team productivity.
- Developed new process improvements for efficiency increase.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards by conducting regular audits.
- Established key performance indicators to measure engineering effectiveness.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing favourable terms.
- Drove continuous improvement efforts for operational excellence.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to drive project success.
- Managed all engineering projects, ensuring timely completion.
- Evaluated performance of teams and individuals, offering detailed feedback to drive improvement.
- Established project scope, timeline and objectives and tracked key metrics to monitor progress.
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Thurrock
2009.01 - 2010.01
- Lead the engineering operations at Thurrock site for nine months. Managed full R&M budget of £660,000. Directed maintenance program for 5 Sidel blowers and 5 Husky Injection Moulding machines.
- Streamlined maintenance processes, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with teams to ensure equipment reliability.
- Implemented cost-saving measures within budget constraints.
- Handled budgeting responsibilities, ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Optimised resource allocation for maximised project output.
- Directed troubleshooting procedures, minimising equipment downtime,.
- Implemented risk management protocols for safety enhancement.
- Facilitated training sessions, enhancing staff technical skills.
- Led cost reduction initiatives with strategic planning.
- Presented technical reports to stakeholders for informed decision-making,.
- Prioritised workloads to meet tight deadlines,.
- Identified and resolved technical issues, improving product quality.
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Bridgewater
2007.01 - 2009.01
- Oversaw site engineering R&M budget of £345,000. Planned and executed stock requirements for engineering tools and consumables using SAP. Facilitated installation and relocation of Blowmoulding machinery and ancillary equipment. Conducted testing and adjustments of new equipment for consistent production. Managed a team of 3 engineers. Developed and implemented a work permit system. Engaged in health and safety initiatives.
- Controlled engineering budget effectively.
- Streamlined stock management processes.
- Enhanced machinery installation efficiency.
- Strengthened health and safety compliance.
Site & Engineering Manager
Nampak Plastics Europe
2001.01 - 2007.01
- Oversaw installation of Blowmoulding machinery and ancillary equipment in a new facility. Conducted testing and adjustments for consistent production. Identified suppliers, established ordering processes, and set supply deadlines. Managed acceptance of machinery and a team of engineers and production staff. Achieved ISO 14001, CRM, IIP, and BSI accreditation. Controlled engineering budget and completed site KPI reports monthly.
- Directed team of engineers and production support staff.
- Planned and managed stock requirements for tools and consumables.
- Ensured efficient daily operations, reporting to the Operations Manager.
Engineer
Nampak Liquid Foods Oxfordshire
1992.01 - 2001.01
- Managed maintenance of seven Uniloy Blow-Moulding machines and ancillary equipment. Installed and commissioned new machinery, ensuring 24-hour support for operational efficiency. Trained 40 team members to NVQ standards, completing NVQ Assessor D32/33 assessments. Spearheaded successful machine implementation in Oxford and Glasgow, adjusting settings for material changes and mould adaptations.
- Delivered effective 24-hour maintenance program.
- Trained 40 operators to NVQ standard.
- Commissioned new machinery, enhancing production capabilities.
- Diagnosed faults in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Education
High School Diploma -
Carterton Community College
OxfordSkills
- Manufacturing management
- Engineering management
- Site management
- Lean manufacturing
- KPI management
- Team leadership
- Customer relationship management
Timeline
Site Lead
Muller Blowmoulding
2023.10 - 2026.02
Plant Manager
Logoplaste Coleford
2015.01 - 2023.01
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Coleford
2010.01 - 2015.01
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Thurrock
2009.01 - 2010.01
Engineering Manager
Logoplaste Bridgewater
2007.01 - 2009.01
Site & Engineering Manager
Nampak Plastics Europe
2001.01 - 2007.01
Engineer
Nampak Liquid Foods Oxfordshire
1992.01 - 2001.01
High School Diploma -
Carterton Community College