Paul Dudley

I specialise in improving underperforming manufacturing sites, bringing structure, stability, and long-term performance. I'm an engineering leader with over 25 years' experience in 24/7 manufacturing environments, focused on improving reliability, reducing cost, and building stronger, more capable teams. Having progressed from apprenticeship through to senior engineering leadership roles, I bring a practical understanding of how to align reliability, cost, safety, and sustainability across manufacturing operations.

I've spent much of my career working in environments that needed change, bringing structure, improving accountability, and building engineering functions that can sustain performance. I place strong emphasis on safety and compliance, ensuring it sits at the core of how engineering operates day-to-day. My focus is on building engineering functions that are structured, accountable, and capable of sustaining performance long-term.

Engineering Lead (Acting Site Engineering Manager) at Sonoco (2025-01 – Present)

• Leading the engineering function within a 24/7 manufacturing site, moving from a reactive setup to a more structured way of working
• Reduced contractor reliance by around 40%, delivering ~£150k annual saving while building internal capability
• Establishing baseline data and KPIs to improve visibility and support better planning
• Introducing CMMS and developing a more planned maintenance approach
• Improving structure, communication, and accountability within the team
• Developing team skills to reduce dependency on individuals and improve resilience
• Embedding safety into day-to-day engineering activity so it becomes part of how work is delivered

Head of Sustainability & Engineering at AW Hainsworth (2024-01 – 2025-01)

• Led engineering and sustainability across the site
• Delivered energy improvements and strengthened HSE standards
• Improved reliability and reduced reactive work
• Built capability within the team and stabilised the function
• Represented the business as a guest speaker and panelist at sustainability and manufacturing events

Engineering Manager at JT Ellis (2010-01 – 2024-01)

• Delivered a £10.4M automation and robotics programme
• Led energy projects including dust extraction optimisation (~£45k saving)
• Managed HV upgrade and reduced unnecessary electrical capacity costs
• Delivered £100k annual saving and £400k recovery through rates review
• Improved reliability and reduced ongoing costs

Maintenance Manager at Furnico (1997-01 – 2010-01)

• Led maintenance teams and improved uptime through better planning and structure

Technical Service Engineer at Hobkirk Industrial Machinery (1993-01 – 1997-01)

• Installation and servicing of industrial machinery

NEBOSH General Certificate

City & Guilds Mechanical Engineering

EITB Engineering Apprenticeship