Steven Graham MSc

As Head of Manufacturing, I oversee the effective and efficient operation of our cutting-edge production facility, which includes advanced gas atomization systems such as Vacuum and Electrode Induction, along with subsequent powder processing operations.

• My primary objective is to fulfil our strategic and operational goals, exceeding our customers' expectations in quality, cost, and delivery through the proactive use of tools like pFMEA and control plans.
• Led a team of complex skill sets that planned and executed the operation schedule.
• Implement safety enhancements, including Human Organizational Performance (HOP), hand safety, machine safety, and ergonomics, to guarantee injury-free operations and maximize employee contributions through a STOP program.
• Maximizing operator compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance quality performance and operational effectiveness, deployed an SOP analysis tool to improve SOP quality and, consequently, process efficiency, which drives employee engagement.
• I worked with the supply chain and technical teams to select and qualify raw materials, review the backlog, and prioritize workflows.
• Controlling the manufacturing plan and coordinating with maintenance to ensure completion of preventive activities, as well as keeping commercials informed about material workflows.
• Maintaining team engagement through one-on-one reviews with departmental leadership and ensuring that staff are trained, informed, and engaged in the overall goals of the organisation.

In pursuit of operational excellence, I implemented the OBEYA system to guarantee transparency, monitoring, and continuous improvement of key process variables. Subsequently, we launched Kaizen projects to bridge any gaps and fulfill our objectives. We realized a 29% enhancement in Right-First-Time (RFT) metrics over the past six months and exceeded the cost models in high-value copper production.

I oversaw and continually deployed multi-site quality management systems, policies and teams. To ensure stringent customer expectations and product specifications are met.

• AS9100/AS9120 for the aerospace industry and ISO13485 in the medical field across international facilities. AS13100 for material suppliers to the Aero Engine supply chain. ISO14001 in environmental management at the Widnes facility. As the project sponsor, I oversaw the achievement of ISO17025 for a world-class powder characterisation laboratory.

Striving for excellence in quality required a close partnership with HR to ensure that frameworks, such as training and development, provided accountability and empowerment to employees. This was validated by the organization-wide high scores in employee engagement surveys.

• Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
• Created and led successful business culture focused on performance, through digital scorecards and OPEX frameworks.

I managed the deployment of AS9100 and AS9120 for Aerospace and the implementation of ISO13485 in Medical supply chains. As the site lead for Safety, Health, and Environment, I supported site operations through an excellence transformation program with SIG.

• Promoted excellence in quality and safety across departments.
• Led a team of quality engineers and laboratory technicians.
• Developed comprehensive quality systems and internal controls to reduce errors.
• Trained teams on production operations and quality standards to build robust internal controls.
• Mitigated non-conformance with corrective and preventive planning.

The IKAGI award from SIG All Stars recognised the organisation's efforts to develop leadership, strategy, culture, skills, and operational excellence.

Quality Site Lead for two "hole in the wall" facilities. Responsible for the deployment of ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO22000 while also acting as the site safety coordinator. Led product qualifications and regional training (APQP).

• Defined manufacturing quality guidelines and criteria to adhere to company standards.
• Maintained up-to-date procedures for complaints and compliance.
• Managed a laboratory and team of quality engineers and technicians.

The organisation received a special award for Customer Service from the North of England Excellence.

During my 9-year tenure at BPI, I began my post-military career as a shop floor operator. I operated FLTs and production line equipment to manufacture flexible plastics. I progressed to become a laboratory technician and production leadership position. After that, I transitioned into quality and excellence, where I implemented WCM modules before leaving BPI.

Nearly a decade of military service, reaching the rank of Lance Corporal and actively serving in Iraq. Skilled in various engineering disciplines, team leadership, process and procedure compliance and various tactical knowledge areas, including bridge building, water purification, explosives handling, and carpentry.