Recruitment

Our success is built on the passion of our people.

Foster and Gamko employees have been with us a long time, most recently with an employee celebrating 45 years’ service with us!

We are a unique team, connected by the same pillars.

The Foster and Gamko team stand outside the office

Experience

Sales, marketing, finance, production, installation, service, maintenance and spare parts for both brands: all your refrigeration needs available in a one-stop shop, delivering a higher level of pre and post sales service to our customers

Gamko bar scene from immersive showroom

Expertise

Cutting edge technology and investment is shared across Foster and Gamko, benefitting both the product range and the way in which our business can exceed customer requirements in new ways.

bartender pours a draught beer

Excellence

We know refrigeration better than anyone else: the combined extensive heritage of two market leaders, with our parent company ITW, drives accelerated technical learning, producing improved quality and reliability for our customers where it matters.

Current Vacancies

Join our team!

Manufacturing Engineer

Job Purpose 

To provide manufacturing engineering and technical support to manufacturing process areas and project management teams throughout the Company. Undertake manufacturing engineering investigations of facilities and processes with the aim of improving productivity, quality and or resolving complex manufacturing problems. Develop a continuous improvement culture within the Plant by facilitating 5S programmes, TPM, VSM, 80/20, in lining and other Lean tools.

Duties, responsibilities, and essential functions:

  • Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety requirements, risk assessment and COSHH management for projects and processes under your direct control.
  • Deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved, or outside your permitted authority.
  • Ambassador for Lean manufacturing staying always focused on the Foster Manufacturing System, be a leader of best practice in manufacturing processes and a pastoral coach for educating shop floor teams and individuals with Lean best practice.
  • Champion deployment of the 5 pillars of the Visual Workplace fully. Lead shop floor design flow improvements, project manage layout change projects. Be innovative on creating a World Class manufacturing environment in the Plant.
  • Investigate operational problems affecting production and dealing with them in a systematic and methodical manner.
  • Support a culture of Kaizen, lead the education, training and the involvement of others in Kaizen, facilitate improvement events and activities, react to and support continuous improvement ideas quickly from the shop floor teams.
  • Project manage capital projects from idea generation to realisation using professional project management tools such as, budget trackers, preparing justification presentations, Gantt charts, AutoCAD layouts and phased implementation plans.
  • Able to fully self-manage various ongoing assignments and priorities at the same time and be accountable for adhering to deadlines. Be flexible when required to work outside of normal duties.
  • Be the agent of Change and take ownership of complex challenges be innovative when faced with resistance and uncertainty.
  • Negotiate and be diplomatic with team members, be open minded to other opinions and perspectives. Take part in multi-functional teams and be willing to share areas and information to all levels within the business.
  • Conduct time in motion study, record, analyse and set Standard Time metrics, TAKT standards, Line balances using Yamazumi balanced cycle charts and create best practice SOPs as the corner stone to measure continuous improvement.
  • Identify and eliminate all disruptors that effect Plant OEE and level scheduled balanced work that cause non-conformance to Plant TAKT by process focussed RCA and Kaizen.
  • Uncompromising approach to DFMA NPI, collaborating with Design and Development Engineering to ensure product design is Quality for a Lean manufacturing environment, managing the phased introduction of NPI changes into production to ensure only VAA is introduced to the shop floor. Liaise with suppliers and customers where necessary.
  • Staying up to date with new technological advancements in manufacturing that could be utilised in Foster. Ensure process activities throughout the Plant are aligned with the deployment of the Foster Manufacturing System. Continuously improve process’ in the pursuit of World Class Standards.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in relevant SMET subject or HND in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering considered with extensive relevant manufacturing experience.

 

Key professional skills:

  • Clear communicator to all levels of the business. Coherent and concise verbal and written communication skills.
  • Gather and analyse data to make decisions.
  • AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
  • Proficient with Lean Manufacturing techniques and tools, understand key principles: 8 wastes, Standard work, Visual workplace, Continuous Improvements, Kanban, SMED, Kaizen and Developing people and teams.
  • Be process and customer focussed, the next process is the customer.
  • Be able to work collaboratively with peer group and wider business departments.

 

Essential Knowledge and experience:

  • Proven experience in a similar role with hands-on shop floor manufacturing engineering experience supporting current manufacturing and/or new projects.
  • Large capital project management.
  • Experience in process analysis and improvements.
  • Detailed knowledge of manufacturing processes.
  • Lean manufacturing toolbox.
  • Design for manufacture best practice.
  • Process documentation control and generation.
  • Complex problem resolution techniques.
  • Able to demonstrate exposure to practices of material processes, ie. Chemicals, plastics/mouldings, sheet metal, material joining techniques, electrical assembly techniques and engineering assembly/design for manufacturing

 

Personal attributes and talents profile:

  • Behave professionally and with integrity in-line with company values, be calm under pressure.
  • Clear communicator.
  • Be self-motivated and able to positively motivate others.
  • Strong team player.
  • Lead by example.
  • Highly organised multitasker, able to self-manage workload.
  • Able to use own initiative and be proactive.
  • Analytical approach to solving problems.
  • Be able to follow standardised processes efficiently whilst always stiving to improve quality, cost and delivery.
  • Take interest and ownership of self-development, willing to train and develop where needed to excel within the job role.
  • Be the agent of Change and take ownership of complex challenges, be innovative when faced with resistance and uncertainty.

If you are ready to make a difference, please email hr@foster-gamko.com

Health, Safety and Environmental Manager

Job Purpose 

To ensure the Foster Gamko business has a ‘fit for purpose’ Safety strategy, applying the required focus, knowledge and resources, to effectively execute the Safety strategy in the context of the business’ risk profile and needs.

As the appointed company Health and Safety professional, lead the business to full regulatory compliance to all relevant HSE standards, embed a Safety-First culture. Be responsible for the development of efficient business systems that facilitates the maintenance of ISO 45001, ISO 14001 within an ISO 9001 framework. Accountable for the improvement of business standards, processes, communications, training and systems within Health, Safety and Environmental management through the support and mentorship of senior leaders, managers and functional colleagues and the implementation and maintenance of an effective practical data and process infrastructure.

Duties, responsibilities, and essential functions:

HSE company expert & improvement of business management systems

  • Lead the review of requirements and the implementation of core Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) standards across the business by maintaining an effective business wide HSE management system that complies with relevant HSG documentation, ISO 450001 and ISO 14001.
  • Review and refresh company policies and practices for effective practical use in the prevention of risk and hazard control.
  • Champion the communication of expectations of all employees to the standards and regulations of HSE legislation, HSG and best practice.
  • Provide frameworks, systems, policies, practical tools to all employees to facilitate HSE legislation, HSG and best practice compliance.
  • Lead the implementation of general and targeted initiatives to reduce risk.
  • Strategically improve the business HSE culture to promote best practices, awareness and the strategic importance of HSE responsibilities in the pursuit of eliminating LTA, FATA losses and positively improving the well-being and productivity of employees.
  • Implement and manage effective hazard control systems across the business, including the creation and timely renewal of RA, SSOW, PUWER and MAC assessments.
  • Manage Active Monitoring activities and inspections, working with internal stakeholders, external resources and corporate bodies.
  • Improve Reactive Monitoring activities, including hazard and accident reporting techniques, develop insightful data measurement and KPIs as a basis of continuous improvement.
  • Chair employee consultation groups, use Safety Union Representatives and appointed Safety Champions throughout the business to undertake administrative, behavioural and compliance work.
  • Implementation and management of a business wide training strategy, covering onboarding inductions through to role based training requirements, considering effective, scalable and sustainable delivery methods, renewal schedules and record management.
  • Represent the company within ITW EU Divisional and Platform HSE governance forums and programmes.
  • Maintain and improve risk management in line with corporate guidance and expectations.
  • Keep up to date with all aspects of relevant HSE and welfare at work legislation and HSE guidance, publications, announcements and activities. Communicate relevant information to the business.
  • Report any LTA externally in line with legislation.

Auditing & business representation

  • Maintain accreditation and certification to required standards.
  • Manage regular external, internal and corporate compliance and insurance audits.
  • Manage third party surveillance audits ensuring any actions arising are rectified in a timely and urgent manner.
  • Chair senior management feedback meetings and manage ISO non-conformance rectification in collaboration with Quality Engineer.
  • Create and manage associated documentation and records.
  • Front local authority communications, ensure business has correct licencing and permitting relating to HSE, including Environmental Agency, Local Authority, Fire Service, HSE accreditation and certification bodies, insurers and external risk assessors.
  • Co ordinate public meetings and consultations on HSE matters if required.

Contractor schemes, company submissions and applications

  • Provide support for applications and renewals of Contractor Schemes to enable Commercial opportunities.
  • Create a relevant information management system that allow for employees to search and find required information to complete their own applications and submissions.
  • Support application processes and train employees where necessary to find required information.

General

  • Support peer managers within the Operations Management Team and the wider business, provide appropriate leadership to the wider business, assist in any other general duties that fall within the capabilities of the post holder as agreed with the Operations Director or other senior managers within the business.

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Qualified to an appropriate standard of professional Health and Safety certification with membership to NEBOSH, IOSH or other relevant body.
  • ISO 45001, ISO 14001 implementation, management and improvement experience.
  • Auditing to ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
  • Previous relevant experience in HSE Management.
  • Fully computer literate, advanced skills with MS Office.
  • Exceptionally organisation and communication skills are essential.

Essential Knowledge Experience & Abilities:

  • Embodiment of the business values: integrity, simplicity, trust, respect and shared risk.
  • Highly self-motivated with exceptionally high organisations skills.
  • Champion of the highest HSE standards, who can build influential collaborative relationships and Followership to drive cultural change at all levels within a business.
  • Possess Change Management expertise, be adept at stakeholder engagement and management.
  • Apply proficient project management skills and can demonstrate strong focused ‘Starter’ through to ‘Finisher’ traits.
  • Adept multitasker, who can manage variable work-streams, balance resource requirements, thinking and acting strategically to reach outcomes within desired time frames.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication, and presentation skills. Can think of target audiences and use a spectrum of visual, written and verbal communication media for maximum impact.
  • Can demonstrate self-awareness and emotionally intelligence in the delivery of results.

 

Desirable:

  • Commercially aware with experience of corporate governance.
  • Experience working within a similar manufacturing environment.
  • Management level experience within the manufacturing sector.
  • Senior management or strategic management experience.
  • Extensive Change Management experience.
  • Degree level education in Environmental, Sustainability, or Organisational management.

 

GDPR Compliance

Due diligence when dealing with all personally identifiable information in accordance with current data protection regulations.

Security Awareness and Data Protection training will be mandatory to comply with current Data Protection Regulations and associated competency standards.

If you are ready to make a difference, please email hr@foster-gamko.com

Plant Manager

Job description

Primary role is to manage the cost efficient and timely manufacture of products and spares.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the entire Plant product manufacturing operation.
  • Identify and implement improvements in working practices and utilise modern manufacturing philosophies, techniques and systems that will optimise productivity, cost, quality and output.
  • Interface with other departments to create efficiencies with quality and delivery and to develop a strong team with a positive attitude within the manufacturing function.
  • Apply ITW principles e.g. Trade Focus, Market Rate Demand, Product Line Simplification (PLS), 80:20 everything
  • Due diligence when dealing with all personally identifiable information in accordance with current data protection regulations.

Production

  • Active involvement in all weekly Comms meetings – and provided info for Exec meetings
  • Manage the day to day running of the factory unit.
  • Produce and maintain a production plan ensuring all sales orders and key stock levels are serviced. Ensure that productivity performance targets and quality performance targets are met/exceeded.
  • Review and monitor the production plan to ensure lead times are maintained or improved.
  • Ensure production/cost efficiencies are monitored and controlled and to reduce costs where possible.
  • Ensure that the Company’s Stock replenishment/Kanban system reflects current production capabilities and results in efficient purchasing and inventory management.
  • Review current methods of manufacture and to recommend and implement cost reduction and production efficiency improvements where necessary.
  • Manage and develop both quality and health and safety systems

Staff Recruitment & Training

  • Continued development of Line Leaders within areas of responsibility
  • Improve the quality of production staff through training and or recruitment.
  • Manage overtime and recruitment of temp’s to ensure targets are met
  • Review current staff levels and shifts patterns and identify and implement changes where necessary.
  • Formulate and implement a formal staff training programme for all key areas of production.
  • Monitor/control labour costs in line with the budgetary limits.
  • Manage, motivate and empower Line Leaders and operators using;
  • Regular communication
  • Performance appraisals
  • Identifying training requirements
  • Control of planned and unplanned absence
  • Encourage ownership
  • Provide clear focus/mission for team members
  • Participative style of involvement
  • Team building

Production & Information Systems

  • Identify and implement improvements to current production methods, equipment and layouts
  • Formulate and implement an effective management information system to improve the decision making process within the production unit.
  • Monitor/control expenses in line with budgets.
  • Control raw materials by:
  • Minimising stocks
  • Monitoring quality and scrap – continually improve
  • Timely ordering where appropriate
  • Liaison with suppliers where appropriate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be able to demonstrate proven ability and experience in;

A) Production Management

  • Ensure that production / productivity targets are not only continuously achieved but also exceeded.
  • Ensure that the quality standards and cost levels are adhered to in achieving the targets.
  • Reduce WIP and Waste
  • Ensure that the latest Manufacturing Tools are deployed for maximum efficiency. Experience in implementing systems (e.g. LEAN, (Layout, Kanban, Faxban) SPC, SIX SIGMA, TAGUCCI, KAIZAN etc) is essential.
  • Ensure that the staff are managed appropriately giving regard to motivation, staff welfare, training, guidance and encouragement.
  • Ensure that the plant layout and support system are producing to full capacity.

B) Production Information

  • Ensure that all records are maintained in proper manner and information is up to date.
  • Implement and improve existing information systems for production control, stores, costing etc.
  • Provide regular information to senior Management in the way of a report, or presentation.
  • Keep abreast of technical developments within the industry and /or company.

C) Other Qualities

  • Effectively communicate ideas and information, to liase at all levels with other functions, customers, suppliers and certain professional bodies (e.g., Health & Safety, Quality etc).
  • Approach problems in an analytical manner. To promote a proactive approach to problem solving (prevention).
  • Have a hands-on management style along with excellent organised and focused approach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of HNC or equivalent in Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical or Production Engineering. An experienced graduate is considered most likely to fill the requirement

OR

Previous Plant Management experience – demonstrating continual CQD improvement. A manufacturing and professional background with a strong track record of implementing change and improvement.

  • Experience in volume and small batch production in a semi automated and manual environment.
  • Ability to implement continuous improvement, people development and a positive culture.
  • Proven strong man-management capabilities.
  • Ability to communicate at all levels within the Company.
  • In depth knowledge of a range of manufacturing techniques.
  • Proven commercial acumen.

And any other general duties, within the capability of the post holder, as agreed with the Departmental Manager.

Security Awareness and Data Protection training will be mandatory to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations and associated competency standards.

Due diligence when dealing with all personally identifiable information in accordance with current data protection regulations.

If you are ready to join The Refrigeration Experts please email hr@foster-gamko.com

ITW

Illinois Tools Work (ITW) a Fortune 200 company, is a world leading diversified manufacturer of specialised industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses employing over 50,000 people worldwide. The continued success of our business is founded upon ITW’s unique business model which blends customer-back innovation, a decentralised entrepreneurial culture and an 80/20 business process with central pillars of integrity, respect, trust, shared risk and simplicity.

ITW operates in 7 major segments, creating many different product solutions, for many different customers, all over the world... they have become such fixtures in our everyday lives that most of them go unnoticed.

ITW products are all around, you just have to know where to look.

ITW’s Food Equipment Group

Gamko is in the food equipment group (FEG) segment. ITW’s recipe for success has led to our segment turning over $2.5 Billion a year. FEG manages a portfolio of over 1,500 patents in refrigeration, warewash, cooking and baking, food preparation, weighing and wrapping, and ventilation divisions.

ITW HQ

  

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