Project Lead - Thermal Ceramics

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

The Thermal Ceramics division designs, manufactures and installs a broad range of thermal insulation products that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions in a variety of high temperature processing applications. Our product offering is extensive and covers application needs from Industrial to Commercial markets.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,100.7m (2024), ~8,000 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

The primary purpose of the Project Lead role is to bring new processes and product capabilities to the Thermal Products Division that will enable advances in the business. These changes can include (but not limited to) safety, cost and product offering. A secondary function of the role is to provide technical consultation and expertise to the Manufacturing site Operations teams and to act as their liaison to the CoE. The role reports directly to the Thermal CoE Lead and would operate within the Bromborough CoE management structure.

To support Thermal Products Division in building strength in Morgan Advanced Materials’ three core capabilities: Materials Science, Application Engineering and Customer Focus

• Lead and manage a team delivering new strategic projects for the Thermal Products Division.
• Manage the budget for new technologies and innovation, covering:
• Internal and external trials to test whether technologies meet product needs
• Capital investment (Capex) programmes to implement approved technologies
• Plan and run trials using structured Design of Experiments (DOE) methods where appropriate.
• Use data and statistical analysis to support decisions and deliver successful project outcomes.
• Work safely at all times and promote a zero‑harm approach to new technologies and innovation.
• Track, document, and report progress and evidence for all work packages.
• Deliver projects using a clear project management and stage‑gate approach.
• Mentor team members and support their development.
• Act as a technical advisor to operations and as a link to the Thermal Centre of Excellence and the wider Morgan technology community.
• Work with product management to understand future product and market needs.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Promote and lead by example on the Morgan ThinkSAFE culture.
• Take part in ThinkSAFE activities, including safety tours and reviews.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain required records.
• Ensure team members are trained, competent, supervised, and able to work safely.

Technology Development and Deployment

• Identify new technologies to support Thermal Products manufacturing.
• Assess the need for technology change and contribute to technology roadmaps.
• Work with external suppliers to run proving trials and introduce new technologies.
• Develop equipment and product specifications to ensure new technologies work with standard TPD equipment.
• Bring supplier technologies in‑house for early trials and testing.
• Develop Capex proposals to support adoption at plant level.
• Use internal facilities, such as CoE development lines, to trial new innovations.

Collaboration and Implementation

• Work with plants and regions to:
• Identify trial locations
• Plan and implement new technologies
• Introduce suppliers to local teams
• Develop strategic Capex programmes
• Complete risk assessments and manage change processes

• Engineering Degree, Masters or MBA educated (or equivalent role-based experience)
• Extensive knowledge and experience in product development and process development (Fibre, IFB and monolithic manufacture methods)
• Experience of writing Capex proposals and strong understanding of both financial and business administration inputs
• Strong people management skills and cultural awareness
• Strong team-based approach to leadership, developing high performing individuals 
• Working knowledge of Stage Gate methodology and other PMO tools a distinct advantage

Morgan Advanced Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Ind-1