Process Engineering Manager

About the company Walker Filtration was acquired by the Atlas Copco group in 2018 and has a mission to become the group's Global Competence Centre for Compressed Air, Gas and Vacuum Filtration. Headquartered in the North of England, with around 330 people worldwide and Customer Centres in the United States, Europe and Japan, Walker Filtration combines the backing of a global group with the pace and ambition of a growing manufacturer. The opportunity Walker Filtration is entering an exciting phase: moving its operations from manual processes towards a fully automated plant. As Process Engineering Manager, you'll own that journey. You'll set the automation roadmap, lead and develop the engineering team, and guide the wider operation through change, delivering it in clear, well-planned phases that make a real difference to the business. This is a rare chance to shape a fully automated manufacturing site and leave a lasting mark. Key responsibilities

• Own the automation roadmap, taking operations from manual towards fully autonomous production in clear phases
• Identify automation opportunities and build business cases that target the highest returns
• Deliver automation CAPEX projects on time and on budget, managing suppliers and integrators
• Lead digital manufacturing, including MES, machine connectivity and ERP integration
• Deploy AI solutions such as vision inspection and predictive maintenance where they add measurable value
• Use production data (OEE, downtime, SPC, yield) to guide decisions and investment
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance across equipment design and processes
• Lead, mentor and develop the engineering team, supporting operations through the transition
• Own the Management of Change process and drive continuous improvement, LEAN and 5S
• Work with NPI and Quality teams to embed design-for-automation in new product About you
• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechatronic or Manufacturing Engineering
• 5+ years in manufacturing automation engineering, including 3+ years in automation leadership
• Proven track record delivering automation and semi-automation in a production environment
• Experience in high-mix, high-volume settings (flexible cells, quick changeover, vision-guided robotics)
• Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, robotics, machine vision, drives, SCADA and industrial networks
• MES implementation or integration experience
• Industrial data and analytics knowledge (OPC UA, MQTT, SQL), with at least one AI or data-driven solution applied
• CAPEX project delivery, plus PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent project management experience
• Knowledge of machinery safety standards and risk assessment for automated equipment
• LEAN and CI tools (FMEA, 8D, SMED, VSM) and ISO quality standards; Six Sigma highly desirable
• A confident leader who can bring people with you through significant change Benefits
• Financial
• • Company pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contributions
• Financial planning sessions
• Christmas Savings Club
• Employee mortgage services
• Free will writing service
• Death in Service
• Walker Thrive benefits platform with employee discounts
• Health & Wellbeing
• • Private medical cover
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• On-demand GP service
• Eye test vouchers and annual flu jab
• On-site gym (£4 per month)
• Volunteering hours
• Thrive with Walker wellbeing support
• Travel
• • Free on-site parking
• EV Car Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Family & Work-Life Balance
• • Enhanced maternity and paternity support
• Flexitime policy
• 1pm Friday finish Recognition & Development Long Service Awards VIP – Value in Practice recognition Professional growth and development How to apply This is a retained project managed by Imperial Recruitment Group. To find out more or apply, contact Rob Colgrave on 07802 424426 or email robert@imperialrecruitmentgroup.com.