Colin Taylor

Experienced Manufacturing & Operations Leader | Digital Transformation | Aerospace, Defence, Heavy Industry | Driving Operational Excellence and Innovation

United Kingdom

About

A seasoned engineering leader with over 30 years of experience spanning aerospace, defence, automotive, and heavy industry sectors. I am a dynamic leader with a proven ability to inspire and guide teams towards achieving operational excellence through innovative digital transformation. Skilled in integrating MES/MOM, ERP, and PLM systems, I leverage these tools to enhance productivity, improve quality, and ensure compliance across complex manufacturing environments. With extensive experience managing multi-million-pound Capex portfolios and leading large-scale change initiatives, I excel at translating strategic vision into tangible results, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-performance teams. Passionate about continuous improvement and talent development, I mentor cross-functional teams and foster collaborative relationships to achieve shared goals. I believe in the power of industry connections and look forward to engaging with fellow professionals to share insights, explore opportunities, and advance innovation across the manufacturing landscape.

Experience

  • MES/MOM System Engineering Manager at ATS Global
    Feb 2022 - Dec 2025 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    • Led the implementation of Siemens Opcenter MES/MOM systems across Aerospace, Automotive, and Heavy Machinery industries, integrating seamlessly with ERP and PLM platforms to ensure real-time process visibility and control. • Developed engineering capability frameworks, onboarding pathways, and technical training to boost team skills and operational efficiency. • Provided leadership development and technical training to over 100 professionals, promoting growth and skill improvement within engineering teams. • Introduced the Hoshin Kanri strategic planning methodology to senior leadership, aligning corporate objectives with operational activities and driving successful digital transformation projects across multiple sites.

  • GKN Aerospace (4 yrs 1 mo)
    • Industrialisation / Capex Manager Defence
      Jun 2020 - Feb 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

      • Managed an annual Capex budget of £42 million across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring governance, strategic investment, and maximised ROI. • Led Zero Defect Manufacturing programmes based on APQP/PPAP (AS9145) standards, significantly reducing rework and improving first-time quality across global operations. • Provided coaching and development support to Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering teams, fostering continuous improvement. • Drove initiatives to establish professional accreditation pathways for engineering staff, collaborating with bodies such as IMechE, IET, and RAeS to enhance team credentials and career development.

    • Head of Manufacturing Engineering & Quality - GKN Aerospace SPG
      Feb 2018 - Jun 2020 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      • Managed global Manufacturing and Quality Engineering teams, ensuring compliance with AS9100D and NADCAP standards while enhancing productivity across UK and US sites. • Oversaw new product launches as a key Technology Readiness Review Board member, ensuring projects aligned with NASA’s TRL framework and speeding up time-to-market. • Led continuous improvement initiatives across multiple locations, utilising lean methodologies and digital analytics to boost operational performance. • Delivered leadership development programmes at all levels across UK sites, fostering a culture of continuous growth and technical excellence.

  • Head of Engineering & IT Systems at MSCM Limited
    Apr 2015 - Dec 2017 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    • Progressed from Engineering Manager to Head of Engineering & IT Systems, expanding leadership responsibilities to oversee Engineering, IT, and Manufacturing Systems, aligning digital infrastructure with organisational goals. • Restructured the Design Engineering team to bolster R&D capabilities, fostering innovation and expediting the development of new products and solutions. • Managed the development of a new ERP system, mapping business processes and gathering cross-functional requirements to enhance data flow and support strategic decision-making. • Played a key role in senior leadership, conducting SWOT and cash cow analyses to identify growth opportunities, optimise resource allocation, and strengthen market positioning through data-driven insights.

  • Programme Manager; Data Driven Business at Rolls-Royce
    Mar 2006 - Mar 2015 · 9 yrs 1 mo

    • Progressed from Manufacturing Engineering Manager to Programme Manager, leading data-driven initiatives across multiple global manufacturing sites and successfully delivering key milestones ahead of schedule. • Developed and standardised data collection systems for turbines across 11 international plants, supporting operational transparency and decision-making. • Fostered a culture of First Time Quality, increasing RFT from 40% to 99% within the supply chain through targeted process improvements and quality initiatives. • Represented shop floor manufacturing systems as a key member of the Manufacturing Capability Readiness Review Board, ensuring accurate quality compliance from concept to in-service production.

  • Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Emission Solutions at Cummins Inc.
    Jan 2003 - Mar 2006 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    • Developed a catalytic converter facility, integrating robotics and lean methods to significantly improve overall efficiency and productivity. • Implemented lean production for high-mix, low-volume output, earning recognition for establishing a efficient and innovative manufacturing plant.