The company produce steel duplex and complex alloys (including cobalt and nickel) castings for specific wear, heat and corrosion resistant applications mainly for the pumps, valve, power generation, defence and offshore markets.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the control and management of the technical function of foundry operations and for ensuring that all available resources are used efficiently to meet technical and quality standards.

Duties will also be to examine and implement changes to ensure improved pattern making process, reduction in scrap levels, fettling procedures, castings quality, process control, process optimisation and production cycle times. Furthermore, the role will also include responsibility for all technical personnel and for ensuring that they are properly trained and competent in undertaking their duties.

It is essential that the person has a technical qualification at degree level in material sciences/ metallurgy or equivalent subject and has a strong technical capability to deal with steel related castings using sand based production moulding methods and techniques.

We are seeking candidates who have had a planned career in Production and/or Technical roles in a steel foundry. Planning, control and coordination of all areas of the foundry technical functions should also include such matters as methods, planning, metal preparation and other production areas activities. Furthermore, the person must have experience with dealing with issues and systems relating to waste reduction, process control and process optimisation. Candidates should have a proven record of achievement in man management, production output and customer requirements.

This is an excellent career opportunity with a busy foundry in which prospects for progression, in due course, to a senior management role is a strong possibility. We invite applicants to contact us together with their CV details as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 588.

Applicants should already be entitled to work within the UK.

With over 45,000 Waterjet units installed worldwide, our client’s operations represents the latest in waterjet technology and is recognised as the world’s most experienced waterjet manufacturer. The New Zealand based company employs 280 people in all aspects of waterjet design, manufacture and distribution, exporting 98% of production through both direct and distributor sales channels.

This position presents a challenging opportunity for the right person to manage all aspects of a manufacturing unit within a heavy engineering environment.

We seek applicants with a strong background in quality manufacturing, ideally with foundry casting knowledge and experience and be able to undertake responsibility for the leadership of the foundry that produce Al, ZN and steel castings ranging from 5kg to 1.5 tonnes. The role will cover all of the aspects of foundry management to ensure production targets are achieved as well as the highest quality standards demanded for their products.

The MCL has full responsibility for the timely delivery of high quality components, ensuring on time, cost effective delivery to an order-based production plan. There is an emphasis on continuous improvement of the manufacturing processes in order to reduce waste and increase productivity.

This will require a strong people manager who will ensure the effective leadership across multi-shift teams, maintaining a focus on internal customer delivery. A hands on and pragmatic style is considered essential in this business. A relevant technical qualification in a metallurgy, material sciences or foundry technology is also desirable.

Qualifications and Attributes required are:

Appointments will have an excellent package including full relocation assistance.

If you wish to apply for this role please send your CV as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 591

With over 45,000 Waterjet units installed worldwide, our client’s operations represents the latest in waterjet technology and is recognised as the world’s most experienced waterjet manufacturer. The New Zealand based company employs 280 people in all aspects of waterjet design, manufacture and distribution, exporting 98% of production through both direct and distributor sales channels

Our client is seeking applications from candidates who have experience of foundry shop floor roles particularly in relation to production related skills. Applicants with moulding, melting, pouring and fettling experience would be of interest. It would also be advantageous for applicants who have previous experience of working with sand, floor, zinc and aluminium castings. Evidence of the relevant trade qualifications would also be required.

Appointments will have an excellent package including full relocation assistance.
If you wish to apply for this role please send your CV as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 592. More details on the individual roles will be explained upon application.

Our client is a very progressive Engineering Company in Saudi Arabia that has modern ferrous and non ferrous foundries, an excellent machine shop with a wide range of CNC machine tools and other production facilities. The company produces high quality machined components for the oil and petrochemical industries to exacting world class standards.

It is now necessary to appoint a Foundry Manager (DISA) who will have total responsibility for all aspects of a new DISA production facility. Key responsibility is to ensure that production targets are met within high quality parameters and for the direction and control of all areas relating to foundry output from this part of the company’s operations. This will include hands on involvement, day to day operations, planning, control, personnel, training and other key areas normally associated to this level of production management.

It is essential to have a technical qualification with several years experience as a Production Foundry Manager with control over production departments including firsthand knowledge and experience of high volume DISA related moulding and castings processes. Leadership qualities are of paramount importance with a proven record of achieving growth and success in a manufacturing environment.

This is a permanent appointment where our client is offering an excellent salary package complete with accommodation and other benefits. If you wish to apply for this role please send your CV as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 593.

Our client is a very progressive Engineering Company in Saudi Arabia that has modern ferrous and non ferrous foundries, an excellent machine shop with a wide range of CNC machine tools and other production facilities. The company produces high quality machined components for the oil and petrochemical industries to exacting world class standards.

There is now an immediate requirement for a Production Manager who will have operational experience in managing a ferrous based foundry using automated, semi automated and/or floor casting production processes.

The role will include the managing of the day to day activities to ensure the maximisation of plant utilisation, plant and process improvements, quality control and scrap reduction.

You must have a foundry related technical qualification and have evidence of managing a ferrous foundry. This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful company who has plans for continuous expansion and as a result the role will be considered part of the senior management team.

This is a permanent appointment where our client is offering an excellent salary package complete with accommodation and other benefits. If you wish to apply for this role please send your CV as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 594.

Our client is recognised internationally as one of leading engineering groups producing steel castings for sophisticated components, assemblies and systems for a huge range of applications.

Applicants should have experience of using both manual metal arc (MMA) and metal inert gas (MIG) welding processes and qualified to the latest European standards and regulations. You will be considered a welding engineer, a technologist and a specialist. Experience with steel castings and in particular the requirements from within the railway industry would be advantageous.

A strong understanding of welding equipment maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting is desirable, as is the ability to patrol, monitor and control the technical aspects of what is happening on the shop floor. You should have the ability to coach and mentor the team of welders to refine their skills. Furthermore, you should have the ability to conduct weld procedures and welder approval tests when required.

Our client is also interested in receiving applications from unqualified candidates who have the academic potential to train to achieve European Specialist or Technologist qualifications.

The appointment will be based in Leeds, UK although applicants from outside this area will also be considered. If you wish to apply for this role please send your CV as soon as possible quoting reference DBA 595.

With a foundry group turnover of approx £35 million per annum, operating from 3 UK manufacturing sites and 5 businesses, our client company, based in the West Midlands of the UK, represents approximately £17 million of this turnover.
Due to restructuring within the organisation, they are currently seeking to recruit an experienced Quality Manager, who can fulfil the following attributes:

• Working closely with the Quality Director on a structured hand over period, to ensure a smooth transition of duties
• Responsible for site Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Management, on a day to day basis
• Responsible for the maintenance of the Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Management systems
• Management and on-going maintenance of the ISO 9001:2008 approval, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) approvals and customer approvals
• Coordination of customer and other third party audits
• Responsible for a team of 5 employees within the department
• Ensure an exceptional level of feedback to NCR’s, an exceptional response to customer returns and coordination of the corrective actions required
• Responsible for the management of corrective actions, ensuring they are closed out in a timely manner in conjunction with the relevant operations personnel
• Facilitate monthly Quality and Health and Safety Meetings and the generation of reports
• Develop and maintain KPI measures to help drive the improvement process

Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, ideally within a Foundry / Metals background and qualified to HNC / Degree in a Metallurgy or Engineering related subject.
Knowledge and application of improvement tools and techniques, customer focussed and with excellent interpersonal and communication skills will also be key attributes being considered by our client.

If you wish to know more please send a detailed curriculum vitae in the strictest confidence quoting DBA 585 reference number.

We already have several meetings and appointments arranged with a number of companies wanting to discuss their forthcoming recruitment needs. Most of these companies are existing clients, but others are taking the opportunity to find out more about de Belder Associates’ specialist search and selection expertise across the international foundry industry.

While he is at GIFA Philip de Belder has also arranged to meet some individual candidates who want to tap into de Belder Associates’ global industry connections to facilitate their next career move.

If you would like to meet us in Düsseldorf, either to discuss your company’s recruitment requirements, or your own personal career ambitions, please telephone: +44 (0)1625  523 731, or email: recruitment@debelder.co.uk to arrange a convenient meeting.

After Australia I’ll be off to Christchurch in NZ, so the same invitation applies.  If you’d like to link up just email me or give me a call.