Scrap and Waste Management Process Engineer

IMPORTANT: When applying for this role,  and covering letter directly to

We are looking for a Scrap and Waste Management Process Engineer to lead waste and scrap reduction across our production operations. This is a hands‑on, impact‑driven role with real ownership of sustainability, material recovery, and continuous improvement on site.

The primary focus of the role is to maintain and optimise our closed‑loop film cleaning operation, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient performance. You will play a key role in reducing material waste, improving yield, and embedding standardised, sustainable processes across the business.

Working closely with production, engineering, and operations teams, you will diagnose waste issues, implement improvement plans, and help drive a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Own the day-to-day performance of the closed‑loop film cleaning operation.
• Maintain safe, stable, and efficient operation in line with quality and environmental standards.
• Identify and implement improvements to maximise recovery rates and minimise downtime, losses, and contamination.
• Develop, maintain, and standardise operating procedures for the film cleaning process.
• Lead initiatives to reduce waste and scrap across extrusion, printing, and slitting processes.
• Analyse waste and scrap data to identify trends, root causes, and high‑loss areas.
• Set and track waste reduction targets aligned with site KPIs and business objectives.
• Deliver action plans to improve material yield and overall process efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to improve machine settings, processes, and operating practices.
• Develop and implement SOPs related to waste control and material efficiency.
• Work with Engineering to address equipment‑related causes of scrap and variability.

• Ensure accurate recording and categorisation of waste and scrap.
• Produce regular reports showing waste performance, cost impact, and progress against targets.
• Track and quantify savings delivered through waste reduction initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits related to waste, quality, and environmental compliance.

• Train and coach operators and team leaders on waste awareness and best practice.
• Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Encourage employee engagement and idea generation around waste reduction.

• Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis capability.
• Confident working cross‑functionally and influencing teams at all levels.
• Data‑driven mindset with the ability to turn insight into action.
• Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal.
• Organised, proactive, and results‑focused approach.

• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally flexible packaging, plastics, or film extrusion/conversion.
• Experience with recycling, reprocessing, or closed‑loop systems (desirable).
• Demonstrated success delivering waste, scrap, or yield improvement initiatives.
• Good technical understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Lean / Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement experience (desirable, not essential).

We are a family‑owned flexible packaging manufacturer based in Southampton, with over 50 years of manufacturing and trading history. Regarded as a top‑tier supplier within the industry, we work with many household‑name brands across the UK and internationally.

Our success is built on innovation, investment in advanced technology, and—most importantly—our people. We offer a supportive, inclusive working environment with opportunities for development and long‑term career progression.

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00 (site‑based)