Stephen Edwards
Summary
Seasoned manufacturing engineer and manager with 25 years of experience in diverse manufacturing environments, including heavy engineering and bespoke production. Extensive leadership experience exceeding 20 years, transitioning from hands-on roles to senior management, integrating technical skills with strategic oversight. Demonstrated success in guiding production teams through complex projects, overseeing project budgets, contracts, and large-scale initiatives across multiple regions. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and fostering stakeholder engagement to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Manufacturing Manager
Oshkosh Aerotech
2024.07 - 2026.04
- Oversee daily production activities to meet volume targets, production schedules, and delivery deadlines.
- Optimize process flow and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle times.
- Monitor and analyse performance metrics (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), scrap rates, and on-time delivery.
- Manage capacity planning and resource allocation (labour, equipment, and materials) to meet fluctuating demand.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
- Ensure products meet stringent quality specifications and comply with all relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO certification) and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement quality control programs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all critical production processes.
- Lead root cause analysis for quality defects, product non-conformities, and operational failures, implementing sustainable corrective actions.
- Establish and maintain a safe working environment that adheres to all company safety policies and occupational health and safety regulations.
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections, ensuring all employees are properly trained on safety procedures and equipment operation.
- Manage waste and environmental compliance in accordance with local and national regulations.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate manufacturing staff, supervisors, and team leads.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork within the production environment.
- Manage performance through regular reviews, coaching, and disciplinary action as necessary.
- Develop staffing strategies and succession plans to ensure long-term organizational health.
- Develop and manage the annual manufacturing budget, controlling overhead, labour, and material costs.
- Oversee inventory control processes, ensuring optimal stock levels for raw materials and finished goods to prevent shortages or excess inventory.
- Work with Procurement to secure cost-effective and high-quality materials.
Manufacturing Engineer
JBT AeroTech
2022.12 - 2024.07
- Lead project management activities including cost analysis and the development of standard operating procedures and manufacturing documentation.
- Supported the introduction and implementation of new products into the manufacturing environment.
- Improved communication and collaboration across multiple departments to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Review and enhanced engineering designs to improve manufacturability and reduce production issues.
- Delivered cross functional training to support skills development and process consistency.
- Worked closely with suppliers to improve component quality and on-time delivery to production lines.
- Managed equipment commissioning and predelivery inspections.
- Drove process engineering improvements to optimise production performance.
- Conducted cost benefit analysis comparing in-house manufacturing versus outsourcing options.
Value Stream Manager
JBT AeroTech
2019.10 - 2022.12
- Lead multi-departmental operations across fabrication, paint, assembly, electrical and quality to meet production demand and organisational objectives.
- Development and implemented production pacing sheets to maximise team performance and throughput.
- Reduced internal wastage by streamlining production processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Delivered RCI projects to improve operational efficiency across full product range.
- Partnered with senior leadership to improve business efficiency, communication, and cross-functional alignment.
- Trained and developed employees, supporting workforce capability and diversity initiatives.
- Managed production hours to ensure alignment with manufacturing build allocations.
- Managing factory safety and ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered.
- Ensuring factory safety compliance, maintaining adherence to all policies and procedures.
- Oversaw facilities management, including maintenance contracts, factory repairs, folk lifts, cranes, fabrication equipment, and tooling.
- Controlled tooling budgets and capital expenditure.
- Managed timekeeping, annual leave planning, and disciplinary processes in line with business requirements.
Maintenance Technician
WEPA
2018.10 - 2019.10
- Executed emergency breakdown and repair services on complex converting equipment machinery, packing systems, robotic systems, and conveyor infrastructure to minimise downtime.
- Managed machine operations and executed precise product changeovers, including swapping machine embossing prints and knurling guides, directing adhering to the dynamic production schedule.
- Spearheaded all mechanical maintenance requirements to ensure continuous and efficient production flow.
- Conducted planned shutdown maintenance and rigorous quality checks, proactively sustaining equipment at peak operational standards.
Workshop Supervisor
AMSS
2004.02 - 2018.10
- Oversaw and maintained the quality of staff workmanship, ensuring all projects met exacting standards.
- Implemented and championed 5s and lean manufacturing principles across the organisation, driving continuous process improvement.
- Managed the delegation and allocation of workshop requirements and resources to staff, optimising project flow and efficiency.
- Performed diagnostic repair on complex hydraulic components, and successfully installing hydraulic systems to company product range.
- Directed the assembly, testing and commissioning of finished products to design specifications, ensuring compliance with both military and civilian standards for domestic and export markets.
- Managed the end-to-end production process, conducting stage inspections and final customer pre-delivery inspections.
- Provided leadership and organisational management of manpower, and ensured business requirements and deadlines were met through daily communications.
- Supervised the building of multirole vehicles, incorporating a continuous assessment of quality throughout the manufacturing process.
- Conducted daily communications and work assessments of the build process, escalating to higher management through weekly communication sessions.
- Participated in customer site visits and training, including instruction on product maintenance and operation.
Apprentice Fitter / Machinist
Engineering Services
1999.09 - 2004.02
- Trained in fitting, machining, welding and electrical work.
- Received comprehensive training in fitting, machining, welding (MIG, ARC, Alloy) and electrical work.
- Operated within the machine shop, turning various components for customer repair requirements and machining large components for service in bailing, shearing and compacting equipment.
- Performed precision machining and operation of CNC equipment.
- Executed installation, repair, and servicing of metal compactors, bailers, metal shearing, and depollution units within the recycling industry.
- Completed six months of draftsman learning, utilising mechanical drawings and measuring components to rectify damage and implement corrective action to machine shop requirements.
Skills
- Production Management
- Health and safety management
- Surveying / Costing of operating equipment
- Project Management / Manufacturing Processes / Flowlines
- Production Improvements and Processes / Continuous Improvement
- Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Design
- Mechanical and Hydraulic Assembly
- Training and Development of Staff
- Audits, Safety, Quality, Quality Management, Delivery, Cost analysis
- AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001
- Expertise in mrp
- Cost reduction initiatives
- Managing deadlines
- Decision-Making aptitude
- Quality Control
- Performance Management
Certification
- ILM Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership
- CMI Project Management Level 5
- ILM Level 3 Diploma in Management
- MHFA – Mental Health First Aid
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering
- NVQ 3 5s Organising the Workplace
- NVQ 3 Mechanical Production
- City & Guilds 201 Mechanical Engineering
- City & Guilds 2280 Part 1/Part 2 Mechanical Engineering
- EDXCELL Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Hobbies/Interests
I am an active and health-conscious individual with a strong interest in a variety of sports, including strength training, mountain biking, and participating in a touch rugby team. I also enjoy walking my dog and spending quality time with my two young children, which helps me maintain a balanced and active lifestyle.
Timeline
Manufacturing Manager
Oshkosh Aerotech
2024.07 - 2026.04
Manufacturing Engineer
JBT AeroTech
2022.12 - 2024.07
Value Stream Manager
JBT AeroTech
2019.10 - 2022.12
Maintenance Technician
WEPA
2018.10 - 2019.10
Workshop Supervisor
AMSS
2004.02 - 2018.10
Apprentice Fitter / Machinist
Engineering Services
1999.09 - 2004.02