Level 4 Process Leader

Introduction to the Apprenticeship

The Process Leader role forms a key operational activity for a business. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a variety of departments. Process Leaders are found in organisations with high volume manufacturing or advanced manufacturing processes in which large volumes of products are made. They are also found in organisations with engineering operations or low volume manufacturing processes in which lower volumes of products are made in a bespoke or workshop type environment.

Those working in this role undertake and direct production activities and operations and deliver against core production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Process Leaders effectively lead and manage large teams as well as providing technical/specialist input and direction to their own team and to others. They are responsible for determining and managing budgets and resources, using core production KPIs as the basis of the continuous improvement cycle and undertake and manage quality resolutions.

They also manage health, safety and environment within their area of responsibility, ensuring staff are compliant with all requirements and driving improvements and use project management tools to plan, organise and manage resources, monitor progress, identify risks and mitigation.

Apprenticeship Standard

For more information about the Level 4 process leader standard, please visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/process-leader-v1-0

Apprenticeship Modules

The broad purpose of this occupation is to act autonomously as part of a wider production team and are responsible for the delivery of core production KPIs, people, budgets, equipment, materials, supplies, health, safety, environment, and risk.

Process Leaders develop, build and motivate team members as well as manage performance and industrial relations. They provide clear direction and leadership to their own team and others. Process Leaders build and maintain strong relationships across different disciplines, to ensure that the activities of functions such as HR, purchasing, planning, and finance focus on core production KPIs. Effective communication is a core responsibility of the Process Leader role, whether this be communication corporate vision and strategy or using data and information to create compelling presentations and drive management decisions.

Modules include:

• Production/manufacturing techniques in operations.
• Manage resources effectively in line with organisational procedures and budgets
• Use KPIs as the basis of the continuous improvement cycle
• Lean, operational excellence and production improvement techniques
• Undertake and manage quality resolutions as well as volume problem resolution
• Manage health, safety and environment within their area of responsibility
• Use project management tools to plan, organise and manage resources, monitor progress, identify risks and mitigation
• Develop, build and motivate team members as manage performance
• Provide clear direction and leadership to own team and others, giving open and honest feedback.

Apprenticeship End Point Assessment

All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme (before the gateway) working towards the occupational standard and should meet the off the job requirements for an apprenticeship.

The EPA period should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is deemed to be consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard. Apprentices without English and mathematics at level 2 must achieve level 2 prior to taking their EPA. The EPA must be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 5 months, The EPA consists of 3 discrete assessment methods.

• Workplace observation with questions
• Workplace project and presentation
• Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/process-leader-v1-0

Contact us for more information about how to apply.