Process Manager

Are you an experienced thermal processing specialist looking to take ownership of a high-tech vacuum heat treatment operation?

If you thrive on optimizing complex thermal cycles, solving technical challenges, and driving precision engineered solutions, this is your next career step.

Process Manager - Vacuum Heat Treatment

Location: Hitchin / Stevenage area (Hertfordshire)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (On-site)

Salary: £55,000-£70,000

Benefits: Profit share scheme, Life insurance, Enhanced sick pay, Employee discount scheme, and continuous professional development

We are partnering with a world-class, global leader in advanced surface technologies and thermal processing solutions. Operating at the forefront of high-precision engineering, they provide critical thermal treatment services to high-spec industries including aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. Combining cutting-edge furnace technology with a safety-first, quality-driven culture, they offer a dynamic environment where technical expertise is genuinely valued and rewarded.

The Role & Responsibilities

Process Leadership: Own, refine, and optimize critical thermal cycle parameters across high-tech vacuum furnaces to ensure maximum output and strict metallurgy standards.

Operational Oversight: Monitor daily vacuum furnace cycles, leading the shop-floor operation to meet demanding customer production schedules safely and efficiently.

Technical Troubleshooting: Drive root-cause investigations to diagnose process deviations, cycle errors, or mechanical issues, maintaining high equipment uptime.

Quality & SOPs: Draft, update, and enforce robust process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions for full audit readiness.

Commercial Synergy: Act as the technical expert to support internal commercial teams with complex customer queries and accurate job estimations.

What We're Looking For

Vacuum Heat Treatment Expertise: Deep, hands-on background in vacuum heat treatment is essential. Specifically at a process/metallurgical level, not just basic operational loading.

Technical Understanding: Proven ability to program parameters, troubleshoot vacuum furnace systems, and understand the science behind thermal cycles.

Continuous Improvement: Familiarity with modern manufacturing practices (Lean, ISO environments, or POM principles).

Leadership Aptitude: Previous supervisory or management experience is beneficial, but for the right technical process specialist, leadership skills can be fully trained and supported.

INDHP
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed