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Mr Alexander Chidara
PhD Student

Summary

Welcome to my profile.

I am a PhD researcher at Brunel University of London working at the intersection of circular economy, sustainable polymer systems, ontology-based reasoning, big data analytics, and net-zero manufacturing. My doctoral research focuses on the development of intelligent decision-support frameworks for rigid PVC-u recycling systems, with particular emphasis on sustainability assessment, industrial application, and circular economy implementation.

I bring over 20 years of cross-sector professional experience spanning aerospace, automotive, construction, manufacturing, retail, banking, and FMCG, alongside growing academic experience in teaching, mentoring, research support, and student development. My professional background has enabled me to develop deep expertise in business improvement, quality management, Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, process optimisation, systems re-engineering, and sustainable manufacturing.

Alongside my doctoral research, I have supported learners in higher education as an associate researcher, lecturer, tutor, mentor, and teaching support practitioner, contributing to student learning in areas such as business management, economics, sustainability, operations and quality management, manufacturing and process engineering, project management, and research methods. My teaching philosophy is learner-centred, practice-driven, and industry-informed, with a strong commitment to helping students build confidence, critical thinking, and employability.

My research and publication interests include PVC sustainability, circular economy systems, ontology modelling in Protégé, life cycle assessment (LCA), polymer recycling, sustainable composites, intelligent manufacturing, and digital decision-support systems. I am passionate about translating academic research into practical industrial value and strengthening industry–academia collaboration.

Across my industrial and academic journey, I have delivered measurable impact, including £267k cost savings, 30% productivity improvement, 70% reduction in quality claims, 50% waste reduction through Lean and 5S initiatives, and significant improvements in quality systems, traceability, and operational performance. I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET), and I remain committed to contributing meaningfully through research, teaching, mentoring, and sustainable innovation.

I welcome opportunities for collaboration in research, teaching, business improvement, sustainability, circular economy, quality leadership, and industrial innovation.

EDUCATION AND DEGREES

  • PhD Researcher – Manufacturing and Enterprise Engineering Systems Brunel University of London, United Kingdom Oct 2023 – Present.
    Research focus: Circular economy, plastic polymer sustainability, rigid PVC-u recycling systems, ontology-based reasoning, big data analytics, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and net-zero manufacturing implementation.
  • MSc Advanced Process Engineering Cranfield University, United Kingdom Oct 2020 – Oct 2022
    Focus areas: advanced process systems, manufacturing sustainability, engineering optimisation, and sustainable industrial processes.
  • Postgraduate Degree (PGD) in Engineering Management Systems University of Warwick, United Kingdom
    Sep 2006 – Nov 2007. Focus areas: engineering management, operations systems, process improvement, and industrial management.
  • BSc Economics with Operations Management Lagos State University, Nigeria Sep 1997 – Jun 2001
    Focus areas: economics, management, business operations, and organisational performance.
  • Professional Diploma in Place-Based Decarbonisation Keele University, United Kingdom Sep 2023
  • Big Data Analytics Ontology Protege Modelling Simulations, Certificate, Imperial College London, UK, Sep 2023.

WORKING EXPERIENCES

  • Associate Researcher and Supporting Lecturer
    Brunel University London, UK
    Mar 2026 – Present
    Support undergraduate and postgraduate learners with project scoping, proposal development, research design, academic writing, learning materials, independent study, analytical thinking, and project delivery.
  • Business Continuous Improvement Manager
    Nationwide Windows & Doors Manufacturer, UK
    Jan 2025 – Mar 2026
    Led Lean and continuous improvement deployment across the business, including KPI frameworks, process optimisation, waste reduction, quality improvement, digital monitoring, and operational performance reporting.
  • Academic Researcher / Industrial Visiting Lecturer
    Brunel University London; Warwickshire College Group; King’s College London, UK
    Oct 2023 – Dec 2024
    Supported teaching, mentoring, business and economics delivery, student development, research design, academic writing, project supervision, industrial learning activities, and journal/publication-related academic work.
  • Quality Manager and Lean Implementer Trainer
    Brett Martin UK Ltd, Coventry, UK
    Mar 2021 – Oct 2023
    Delivered quality improvement, Lean implementation, CI pipelines, KPI development, process redesign, staff coaching, and 5S training workshops. Achieved waste reduction through Lean and 5S deployment.
  • Senior Process and Production Engineer
    ELG Carbon Fibre UK Ltd, Coseley, UK
    Sep 2018 – Mar 2021
    Led process engineering, production improvement, workforce planning, shift-pattern optimisation, SOP development, training packages, takt time studies, value stream mapping, and line balancing.
  • WCM Senior Process Engineer
    Glassolutions Saint-Gobain Ltd, Coventry, UK
    Sep 2016 – Sep 2018
    Implemented World Class Manufacturing, Lean improvement projects, KPI monitoring, CI audits, cost reduction, safety compliance, productivity improvement, quality improvement, and Right First-Time programmes.
  • Senior Manufacturing Engineer / Consultant
    Penso Consulting Engineering, Coventry, UK
    Sep 2015 – Sep 2016
    Supported manufacturing, production engineering, plant improvement, refurbishment, commissioning, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, ISO compliance, operational KPIs, CNC shopfloor improvement, Lean deployment, and process control.
  • Quality Systems Manager
    JELD-WEN UK Ltd, Sheffield / Leicester, UK
    Apr 2013 – Sep 2015
    Managed quality systems, supplier quality, internal audits, control plans, FMEA, SOP documentation, defect reduction, breakdown reduction, overtime cost reduction, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Senior Standardisation and Quality Engineer
    Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd, Swindon, UK
    Jan 2005 – Mar 2013
    Led standardisation, quality improvement, production process optimisation, Six Sigma, Lean tools, waste reduction, compliance, and manufacturing efficiency improvement projects.
  • Retail Operations Executive
    Standard Trust Bank / UBA Group, Nigeria and Ghana
    Jan 2004 – Dec 2004
    Managed retail branch operations, transaction processing, cash operations, customer onboarding, SOP implementation, KPI monitoring, audit readiness, KYC/AML compliance, and customer service improvement.
  • Strategic Business and Operations Planner
    UAC Nigeria PLC, FMCG, Nigeria
    Jan 2001 – Dec 2003
    Designed and implemented operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, monitor operational errors, and improve performance across six business outlets.