Independent Business Improvement Consultant
info@symonds-zenith.net | +44(0)7890525275
Career Profile: Lloyd Symonds MSc
(Executive Operations Leader • Engineering Director • Renewable & Advanced Manufacturing Specialist)
Executive Summary
Lloyd Symonds is a highly accomplished operations and engineering executive with a 30+ year track record leading complex manufacturing, engineering, and renewable energy organisations. Recognised for strategic transformation, advanced manufacturing innovation, and the delivery of major engineering programmes, Lloyd has repeatedly driven significant commercial growth, operational excellence, and multi‑million‑pound cost savings across aerospace, automotive, retail, and renewable energy sectors.
A strategically focused, proactive and successful Head of Operations with vast experience developing all departmental facets within aerospace, automotive and renewable technology industry.
I am known for my ability to build high‑performance teams, re‑engineer complex systems, and deliver new technologies from concept to commercialisation. I have also held full P&L responsibility, led global sourcing strategies, and managed large-scale organisational change programmes.
Core Expertise
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Full P&L ownership and operational leadership across multi‑site, multi‑disciplinary environments.
Transformation of manufacturing systems, business restructuring, and volume adjustment strategies.
Leadership of teams up to 240 personnel, with strong emphasis on communication, motivation, and performance.
A strong and respected leader who is able to motivate multi-skilled teams… within high and low volume complex manufacturing environments.
Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology Innovation
Advanced manufacturing systems development, including CNC machining, robotics, FMS, and automated assembly.
Full lifecycle engineering project management, from concept and design through to testing, accreditation and production.
Specialist expertise in solar technology development, grid‑tied and off‑grid systems, and integrated battery solutions.
Many years of experience of manufacturing fully integrated high value mechanical, electrical assemblies, automated FMS and robotic assembly systems from concept to completion.
Quality, Compliance & Accreditation.
Six Sigma Black Belt with extensive experience delivering major quality and process improvement programmes.
Deep knowledge of JAR21, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, TS standards, and MCS accreditation.
Proven ability to design and implement full quality systems for new products and manufacturing operations.
A fully-trained Six Sigma Black Belt, utilising all quality tool facets to improve quality, competitiveness and cost effectiveness.
Commercial Strategy, Procurement & Global Supply Chain.
Make‑vs‑buy strategy development across UK, European, and global markets.
Competitive tendering, supplier development, and e‑auction methodologies.
Global sourcing strategies for high‑volume manufacturing, including India, Croatia, Eastern Europe, and the Far East.
Extensive experience of regional and global supplier selection, competitive tendering, supplier development and auditing.
One of the UK’s most experienced specialists in solar technology development and commercialisation.
Leadership of engineering, product development, and accreditation for advanced solar systems.
Significant contribution to industry innovation, including award‑winning second‑generation solar products.
One of the most experienced people in the renewable industry for delivering new solutions and technologies in technically challenging environments.
Career Highlights
Engineering Director & Board Member, GB‑Sol Ltd (2016 –2024)
Drove business growth from £1.3m to £6m turnover.
Led design, development, testing, accreditation, and production of specialist solar technologies.
Oversaw quality systems (MCS, ISO9001/14001/45001), production engineering, and customer liaison.
Engineering Manager, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd ( RES Ltd) (2010–2015)
Delivered full accreditation for new solar products (TUV 61215/61730, MCS, BRE).
Built complete manufacturing systems, documentation, and global sourcing strategies.
Achieved major cost reductions (44% and 36%) and contributed to award‑winning product innovation.
Head of Operations, Clares Retail Equipment (2005–2010)
Managed three manufacturing divisions (£36m turnover).
Improved on‑time delivery from 54% to 98%.
Reduced inventory from £3m to £1.4m and delivered £2.1m annual profitability improvement.
Manufacturing & Engineering Leadership Roles (1990s–2005)
Senior roles across aerospace and automotive, including full Project Management of the setup of Britax Aircraft Seating in Cwmbran South Wales, now Safron branded. Also creation of state of the art machining and fabrication factory to support the seating division growth at Britax and transformed product, reduced development time to market, reduced operating costs of 7million pounds per annum, and took the Britax business from 36 million annual turnover to 100 million turnover in 17 months. Other companies were I made significant change. Northern Automotive Systems, Senior Flexonics Ltd, and Faurecia.
Delivered Projects in excess of 100 million, significant annual savings through major facility transfers and manufacturing transformation.
Key Skills
Executive Leadership & P&L Management.
Advanced Manufacturing & Automation, OEE management.
Renewable Energy Systems & Solar Technology, Specialised Industrial, Aerospace and Automotive.
Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen & Continuous Improvement.
Global Supply Chain & Procurement Strategy.
Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance.
Engineering Project Management.
Business Transformation & Cost Reduction.
Product Development & Innovation.
Stakeholder, Client & Global Partner Engagement.
Professional Identity
A transformational engineering and operations leader with deep expertise in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing across a range of manufacturing facets and large‑scale organisational change. Known for delivering innovative technologies, driving operational excellence, and achieving significant commercial growth, Lloyd combines technical mastery with strategic vision and a proven ability to lead high‑performing teams in complex, regulated industries.