Sam Barker
ENGINEERING OPERATIONS | DEFECT MANAGEMENT | CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT | EX-MILITARY
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About
Multi-Skilled Engineer with expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and Process Improvement, delivering efficiency gains of up to 25%. Reduced system-related failures during rollout by 10% by conducting Beta Testing on new production systems, capturing real-world performance data and identifying potential risks. With 10+ years of leadership and engineering experience, I aim to utilise my transferable skills and competences to help develop and enhance manufacturing processes, adhering to quality, cost, safety and delivery requirements to thrive in all working environment.
A strong history of leading high-impact projects, directing initiatives that significantly improved operational efficiency, consistently delivering exceptional results in terms of time, cost and quality. Notably, led a major upgrade project for the worlds largest online retailer, achieving a 99.8% First-Time-Right (FTR) rate on all completed work.
Experience
Global Support Engineer - AmbaFlex B.V.
(2023-01)
Responsible for enhancing OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) through lean principles, process refinement and standardization to drive performance and cost savings within high-speed manufacturing and logistics environments.
- Delivered a high-impact manufacturing improvement project, increasing efficiency by 20% and achieving a 99.8% FTR (First-Time-Right) rate. Recognised by Senior Leadership for driving cost savings and process improvements ahead of schedule.
- Enhanced workforce productivity by 87.5% by designing and delivering a structured training program for 240+ maintenance engineers, improving technical competency, reducing human error, and increasing compliance with industry standards.
- Introduced real-time performance tracking with SME's (Subject Matter Experts) and stakeholders, improving visibility and cutting project lead times by 25%, ensuring faster issue resolution and more effective resource management.
Maintenance Manager - HM Forces
(2019-05 - 2022-12)
Led a team of 30+ engineers in a high-pressure environment, overseeing maintenance, process optimization, and equipment reliability improvements whilst also ensuring and enhancing safety compliance.
- Established uniform maintenance and operational procedures by developing and implementing comprehensive SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures), ensuring best practices were followed and reducing process variation by 20%.
- Improved workplace safety compliance to 100% and reduced lost-time injuries to zero by implementing risk assessments and introducing a lean 5S programme.
- Reduced excess inventory holding by £100K and cut scrap costs by £35K annually, by helping implement a JIT (Just-In-Time) inventory system and leading RCA (Root Cause Analysis) to eliminate recurring defects.
Assistant Maintenance Manager - HM Forces
(2018-01 - 2019-12)
Employee Development Manager - HM Forces
(2016-01 - 2018-12)
Maintenance Engineer - HM Forces
(2013-01 - 2016-12)
Fabricator/Welder - NCS Fabrications
(2010-01 - 2013-12)
Education
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - Lean Six Sigma (2025)
VCA Diploma - European Safety, Health and Environment (2023)
EAL Level 3 Award - Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) (2022)
Level 3 - Requirements for Electrical Installations - City & Guilds (2022)
Level 3 Diploma - Engineering - City & Guilds (2012)
