Operational Readiness Lead

At Sheffield Forge masters we have an exciting new opportunity for an Operational Readiness Lead to join our team on a long‑term fixed term contract, for approximately 3 years.

This role is based at our 64‑acre site, sitting in the heart of Sheffield, and will be working as part of our Recapitalisation Team, who deliver a programme of work specifically focused on substantial critical asset renewal, including but not limited to: A new Forge building with a new Forge press, offices & water pumping station;
New Machine Shops;
Investment in flood prevention measures and Facilities upgrades to improve the working environment for colleagues.

As an Operational Readiness Lead, you will develop and implement strategic plans, that will allow a smooth transition from Sheffield Forge masters' current operational methods, policies and procedures to our new operational model.

• Develop and align strategic plans across Melt, Machine Shop, Forge, and Digital projects.
• Manage the Sheffield Forge masters machine tool supplier service contract for the Machine Shop project, overseeing multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Lead the asset monitoring strategy for forge equipment (maintenance and operations) in collaboration with the Digital Team.
• Provide oversight and guidance to Lead Manufacturing Engineers (machining methods, tooling, measurement, TMS rollout, zero‑point systems, scanning, commissioning, etc.).
• Plan and oversee factory acceptance tests, site acceptance tests, and commissioning activities.
• Support forge automation and development/verification of new forging procedures.
• Oversee risk assessments and safe systems of work for new plant and equipment.
• Contribute to manufacturing strategy and digital thread implementation (PLM, ERP, MES).
• Ensure process validation plans meet customer approval requirements.
• Lead the development of maintenance strategies including PPM, autonomous maintenance, and critical spares.

• Degree level qualification in operational management and / or project management or relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of codes and standards such as ASME.
• Production management experience.
• Knowledge of manufacturing in a heavy industry environment.
• Knowledge of advanced machine tooling and methods.
• Experience of implementing change through NPI and / or CI techniques.
• Proven experience of adapting advanced manufacturing techniques to meet complex requirements.
• Ability to problem solve using a range of quality tools such as 8D, root cause analysis, etc.
• Experience in the creation and deployment of manufacturing routing.
• Ability to influence internal key stakeholders to deliver operations.
• Experience managing cross functional teams and promoting engagement.
• Knowledge of how to implement SOP’s and operational frameworks.

In addition to the skills, knowledge and experience for this role, we are also looking for someone who embodies our core values:
Customer Focus;
Working Together;
Trust & Respect;
Quality & Innovation; and Safety & Wellbeing.

This is a full‑time role working 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday. We offer flexibility in our start and finish times between 06:15 – 09:30 and 14:30 – 18:00.

Sheffield Forge masters is an iconic steel production and engineering company, with a history that can be traced back to the 1750s, starting life as a small blacksmith forge. We have since gone through many evolutions and gone by several different names and guises, whilst consistently being at the forefront of innovation and new process development in the steel industry.

Recognising Sheffield Forge masters as a global leader in the designing, manufacturing and delivering of world‑class steel forgings and castings, we were acquired by the UK Ministry of Defence in 2021. The acquisition has secured our role as a critical supplier to the next generation of UK defence programmes. As part of this programme of work, £1.3bn is being invested in modernising our plant and equipment, creating new opportunities for the business and our colleagues.

• Stability, with large‑scale & long‑term investment and orders already secured into the 2040s.
• A programme…