N. Weir (Final) CEng_AppForm03-10-2012_2310

Personal Details
Name:
Neill Weir
Date of birth:
30/12/1976
Membership number:
80180791
Address:
8 Ravenhill Parade
Belfast
BT6 8NU
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact email:
neill_weir@hotmail.com
Home phone:
02890226626
Mobile phone:
07765460337
Employment Details
Job title:
Assistant Estates Manager
(Maintenance)
Date appointed to company:
27/06/2012
Employing organisation:
Queens University of Belfast
Department:
Estates
Address:
University Road
Estates Department
Administration Building
Belfast
BT7 1NN
UNITED KINGDOM
Work phone:
02890971087
Page 1 of 17 - Neill Weir - 80180791 - CEng

Education Details
Postgraduate: Queen's University of Belfast
PhD, Doctor of Philosophy
Full-time, Unclassified
Date of admission: 02/10/2000
Date of graduation: 11/12/2003
Undergraduate: Queen's University of Belfast
BEng(H), Mechanical Engineering
Full-time, 1st
Date of admission: 25/09/1995
Date of graduation: 07/07/2000
Additional Information
Please provide additional details, for example if you repeated a year, took time out or
you were exempt from any year due to previous qualifications. If applicable, please give
details of all qualifications gained after leaving school (eg National Diploma, HNC)
I commenced my undergraduate BEng (Hons) degree in September 1995, graduating in
July 2000. It was a three year BEng course however at the time of entry I had not
studied A level mathematics and was not eligible to go directly into year one of the
degree course. As a result I had to complete a foundation year at the university studying
mathematics along with many of the modules that would be continued in year one of the
degree course. Also prior to my final year I opted to take the opportunity of a one year
placement position which I had successfully applied for working within the engineering
department of British Airways. After the placement year I then returned to successfully
complete my degree.
While in the final year of my degree studies I completed a project characterising the
mechanical properties of bioresorbable polymers used in medical applications, (these
are a particular type of polymer that under the action of hydrolysis will lose molecular
weight, mass and strength - common medical uses include sutures that 'dissolve' and
therefore a retrieval operation is not required). The success of this project prompted me
to further my studies in this field and work towards a PhD on an EPSRC funded
(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) project again at Queen's
University within the School of Mechanical Engineering and in collaboration with
partners from the School of Medicine & Biology and Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast. I
began my PhD studies in October 2000 and successfully graduated in December 2003.
My PhD thesis was entitled 'Development of Accelerated Test Methods to Assess the

Long Term Performance of Bioresoorbable Polymers'. I presented and published a
number of papers during this time at international conferences and in various scientific
and engineering journals.
After graduating from my PhD studies in December 2003 I was employed by Dale
Farm in April 2004 initially as the companies sole Packaging Technologist. Dale Farm is
the largest dairy processing company in Northern Ireland. With a good knowledge of
manufacturing techniques developed during my degree and PhD studies I further
underpinned my credentials as a packaging technologist by completing the Diploma in
Packaging course, facilitated through Loughry College, graduating in 2005. The Diploma
in Packaging is a PIABC accredited qualification and comes under the umbrella of the
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. It is internationally recognised as the premier
degree level qualification for packaging professionals.
I have completed the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing
Safely course.

Your industry classification
Please select up to three fields that best describe your current area of engineering
activities.
gfedc Aerospace Industries
gfedc Automobile
gfedc Combustion Engines & Fuels
gfedcb Construction & Building Services
gfedc Energy Equipment & Sustainability
gfedc Engineering in Medicine and Health
gfedc Fluid Machinery
gfedc Heat Transfer & Thermofluid Mechanics
gfedcb Management
gfedc Manufacturing
gfedc Mechatronics, Informatics & Control Group
gfedc Other Industries / Sectors
gfedc Power Industries
gfedcb Pressure Systems
gfedc Process Industries
gfedc Railway
gfedc Safety & Reliability
gfedc Structural Technology & Materials
gfedc Tribology

Please specify your preferred interview location.
In approximately 6 to 8 weeks we will contact you to confirm your interview date.
Please select one preferred interview location
England
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London
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West Midlands
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East Midlands
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South West
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North West
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North East
Scotland
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Aberdeen
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Glasgow
Northern Ireland
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Belfast
International
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Please specify:
Country
6Please Select An Item..
City

Summary of your responsibilities and achievements
Please provide a report concentrating on the past 5 years / 3 roles. For each position you
should state the company name, start and finish dates, list of achievements,
responsibilities, level of authority and autonomy. Please limit this to 600 words.
I am currently employed (since June 2012) by Queen's University Belfast within the
Estates Directorate as an Assistant Estates Manager (Maintenance). Previously from
April 2004 until June 2012 I was employed by the dairy processing company Dale
Farm. I was initially employed as the companies sole packaging technologist, however
prompted by my desire to become more closely involved with the engineering function
of Dale Farm I took on the additional responsibility of Engineering Manager at the
Dromona Creamery factory. With a solid foundation developed on the engineering
function of the business I progressed to become one of the groups Capital
Project Engineers. Below summarises my current role and achievements to date and the
x2 engineering roles I held with Dale Farm.
Company: Queen's University Belfast
Start Date: June '12
Finish Date: Currently Employed
Position: Assistant Estates Manager (Maintenance) (reporting to Estates Manager
(Maintenance))
Summary;
Develop and implement the planned maintenance strategy across 250 buildings.
Responsibilities;
Develop planned preventative maintenance (PPM) routines for all building services,
including; boilers, air conditioning, emergency lighting, lifts, electrical switchgear etc.
Introduce PPM software package 'Planon'.
Manage the maintenance of 150 gas and dual fuel boilers.
Manage the maintenance of 300 plus Local Exhaust Ventilation units.
Ensure statutory compliance with relevant legislations.
Manage the handover procedure and building manuals for major development
programmes.
Manage the tendering of maintenance contracts.
Achievements;
Development and introduction of 'Planon' PPM module.
Introduction of minor works handover procedure.
Introduction of mechanical services PPM routines.
Company: Dale Farm Ltd
Start Date: June '07
Finish Date: June '12
Position: Engineering Manager (reporting to Operations Manager)
Summary;

Manage the engineering function of a dairy creamery manufacturing butter and spread
products and evaporating milk to form a milk concentrate product.
Responsibilities;
Management of a team of 6 mechanical/electrically skilled maintenance engineers.
Development and maintenance of the sites asset management and preventative
maintenance function.
Management of the health & safety policy, including external contractor control and fire
safety.
Ensure all relevant legislation is adhered to, and that all insurance inspections are up to
date.
Accountable for a repairs and maintenance budget of £270,000 per annum.
Identification and implementation of energy/resource reduction opportunities.
Achievements;
Developing the preventative maintenance strategy for all critical assets, including site
services and production machinery.
Successfully interviewing and recruiting further maintenance personnel to work as 'Line
Technicians' and integrating them into the engineering team.
Restructuring the engineering maintenance teams shift patterns to deliver an improved
service to the production team.
This role significantly enhanced my hands on engineering knowledge and engineering
management ability. With experience gained in the production, design and control of;
steam, compressed air, refrigeration, water and product distribution systems.
Company: Dale Farm Ltd
Start Date: Jan '09
Finish Date: June '12
Position: Capital Projects Engineer (reporting to Chief Engineer)
Summary;
Identification, management and delivery of capital projects across all manufacturing sites.
Responsibilities;
Identifying project scope and preparing capital expenditure proposals for approval by
the Chief Executive.
Conducting a full project costs appraisals and management of budgeted spend.
Full project management responsibility from conception to completion.
Achievements;
Gas conversion and new gas boiler installation. Capital Cost £87k. £150k savings
realised per annum in reduced energy costs.
Design, sourcing and installation of print & apply barcode labelling machines. Capital
Cost £40k. £20k saving per annum in reduced head count.
Evaporator condensate divert control upgrade. Capital Cost £43k. Improved quality of
recovered condensate for further use.
Installation of automated tray packing system on a yogurt production line. Capital Cost
£100k. £30k saving per annum achieved in reduced head count.
Lighting & controls upgrade. Capital Cost £8k. £4.9k savings per annum in reduced
energy costs.

of 17 - Neill Weir - 80180791 - CEng

A: Optimise the application of technology
Please give details on the following:
A1: As a member of the Capital Projects engineering team with Dale Farm I was
responsible for identifying and introducing new technologies within the dairy industry to
best meet the needs of the business. As part of my role I was responsible for the
development and introduction of technologies to best manage water usage, with the aim
to reduce use and exploit alternative sources of supply. One method I introduced was a
system for recovering the condensate produced from the milk during the evaporation
process. The technology introduced included the installation of continuous inline
turbidity, conductivity and temperature monitoring probes across four independent
condensate streams. Divert valves were installed to divert the condensate stream to
effluent, if the readings were in excess of the pre-determined conductivity, turbidity or
temperature set points, or if within specification to the process water tanks for further
use. The system data was trended using a SCADA graphical interface allowing real time
or historical analysis with full reporting and user intervention capability. The installed
system improved the sites water quality and was a valuable tool for assessing the health
of the evaporator plant.
As part of this role I also undertook an in depth feasibility study on the
technologies available for treating river water to meet the potable water standard.
Technologies investigated included; chemical treamtent, ultrafiltration and reverse
osmosis. I produced a capital expenditure proposal to proceed with an ultrafiltration
plant.
A2: During my PhD studies I was repsonsible for the development of test techniques for
monitoring the mechanical properties of bioresorbable polymers, an innovative polymer
material that absorbs over time in an in vivo environment, with applications including;
sutures, fracture fixation, drug delivery and tissue engineering scaffolds. The
characterisation techniques I developed included; testing of mechanical properties,
thermal and molecular analysis and X-ray diffraction. The resulting degradation models I
developed predicted the long term performance of two types of these polymers over an
accelerated time period. This work significantly enhanced the development of these
materials and resulted in a number of papers being published in international journals.
How have you maintained and extended a sound theoretical approach in
enabling the introduction and exploitation of new and advancing
technology and other relevant developments?
•A1
How have you engaged in the creative and innovative development of
engineering technology and continuous improvement systems?
•A2

B: Analysis and solution of engineering problems
B1: Whilst working as the Engineering Manager for a food manufacturing plant I was
responsible for the procurement of all engineering components and services. Having a
good knowledge of the business and understanding of the activites of the other
manufacturing plants within the group I conducted an analysis on the annual engineering
spend for each plant. The analysis included; all spare parts (OEM and common),
consumables and service requirements, (including boilers, air compressors, refrigration
plant and production machinery). It became apparent that these goods and services
could be procured more cost effectively by setting up central service contracts to satsify
the maintenance requirements of each production plant and identifying common spares
across each plant and tendering to gain the best price. I produced the technical
specification for the maintenance regimes the contractor would have to satisfy and the
spare parts listings for tender. I worked with the procurement department to implement
the project which achieved savings of approximately £20k per annum.
B2: Sucessfully sealing a polyester lid onto a yogurt pot on a high speed production line
demands the correct combination of materials, temperature, pressure and time. I was
tasked with developing the process conditions and quality checks required to ensure a
successful seal on a twinpot yogurt and crumble product. Firstly, I investigated the pot
substrate and sealing surface and worked in conjunction with the pot supplier to develop
quality checks to ensure the pots supplied had a uniform flat surface. Secondly, I
conducted sealing trials through a range of temperatures to achieve the optimum setting.
And finally, I worked in conjunction with the machinery supplier to develop compliant
cup locators that had a rubber gasket for the pot to locate onto helping to achieve a
uniform sealing pressure. This approach ensured a successful outcome and an improved
quality product reaching the shelves.
B3: I designed and implemented a new end of line conveyor system to accomodate 3
print and apply outer case barcode labellers. I used AutoCad to design the new layout
and to identify the workflows. The new conveyoring was manufactured, installed and
commissioned in conjunction with the 3 new labellers. The design was evaluated through
analysis of the efficiency measures before and after installation. Post installation the line
efficiency increased by 5% as an operator was no longer required to apply the label,
additionally waste was reduced as label production was directly linked to output.
How have you identified potential projects and opportunities?•B1
How have you conducted appropriate research and undertaken design
and development of engineering solutions?
•B2
How have you implemented design solutions and evaluated their
effectiveness?
•B3

C: Technical and commercial leadership
C1: When planning a project I would first produce a project review document defining
what the project was to deliver, this would be agreed by all stakeholders (eg factory
manager and production manager). From this I would develop a Gantt Chart setting out
the project timescales for each element and highlighting all major project milestones. At
this stage of project planning I would be in close contact with the principle contractor to
ensure agreed timescales are achievabe and to identify any potential obstacles that
would need addressed in the early stages of the project plan. An example of this
process would be the design and installation of an automated yogurt pot collating and
packing machine. Production had to be heavily involved to ensure the user specification
was accurate and that the installation schedule could be accommodated. The project
was delivered successfully on time and in budget.
C2: I produced a capital expenditure proposal which was accepted with a budget cost
of £100k for a gas from heavy fuel conversion and new boiler installation. As project
manager I prepared a project plan for agreement with the external contractors, CDM
Co-Ordinator and internal stakeholders. I managed the project and held weekly update
meetings with the contractors to identify progress and to keep senior management
informed. The update meetings were invaluable for bringing all parties together so
informed decisions could be made. The project was completed within budget with some
minor snagging to be completed post the agreed completion date.
C3: As Engineering Manager of Dale Farm's Dromona Creamery site I was responsible
for leading a team of 6 engineers. As part of this role I was responsible for developing
and implementing a new shift pattern to better meet the sites production needs. This
process was undertaken in consultation with the engineers through a series of meetings.
The role also demanded that I ensured all staff technical training needs were met, for
example arranging an electrical upskilling training course.
C4: As Engineering Manager I further developed the preventative maintenance system
that was in place. I updated the asset register and PM routines to ensure all items of
plant were covered and identified critical spare parts requirements. The more thorough
PM regime formed part of the site quality management procedure. It had the benefit of
aiding product quality with seals being available when required and aiding productivity.
How have you planned for effective project implementation?•C1
How have you planned, budgeted, organised, directed and controlled
tasks, people and resources?
•C2
How have you led teams and developed staff to meet changing technical
and managerial needs?
•C3
How have you brought about continuous improvement through quality
management?
•C4

D: Effective interpersonal skills
D1: As a Capital Projects Engineer I was responsible for writing capital expenditure
proposals outlining the; project summary, description, budgeted costs and justification.
Prior to finalising the capex proposal I would have communicated with internal and
external contacts using telephone and e-mail and also shared engineering drawings and
diagrams, either in electronic format or in hard copy during meetings. As the Project
Manager on a number of capital projects I was responsible for chairing progress
meetings and communicating the minutes and actions arising from these meetings.
My communications skills are further demonstrated through successfully writing my PhD
thesis and publishing a number of papers in peer reviewed journals. Often this work
involved using graphical/tabular methods to summarise information to present it clearly
and concisely.
D2: While working on a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate river water
treatment system to employ I met with the relevant internal personnel to identify the
requirements and define the project. I then researched each of the solutions available in
conjunction with external service providers and appraised each option. I presented my
findings to the project team, outlining the solutions available, including; schematics
identifying the installation, infrastructure needs and also a full appraisal of capital and
revenue cost. The feedback from the initial presentations were positive, it engaged each
team member with the process and helped them understand the scale of what the user
requirements demanded. The feedback was also used to further refine the project
scope.
D3: During capital project installation works I have had to work closely and have
regular contact with staff from other area's of the business, including; production, quality,
sales, marketing and procurement. This has helped me understand the challenges
personnel from other departments have to overcome and how I can best balance my
requirements and installation plans to work most effectively for the business. This mainly
involved working in conjunction with production to ensure installs were planned in
advance and caused minimal disruption to product supply. From the post project
feedback received from the end users this prompted me to develop a documented
project handover procedure.
How have you communicated in English with others at all levels?•D1
How have you presented and discussed proposals?•D2
How have you demonstrated personal and social skills?•D3

E: Commitment to professional standards
E1: I am familiar with the IMechE's Code of conduct for professional engineers and the
legislative and regulatory regimes that apply to my current role, including;
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
Fixed Electrical Wiring Inspection and Testing
The Safe Operation of Boilers (BG01)
Through developing new shift patterns for a team of mechanical/electrical engineers I am
also familiar with employment regulations.
I endeavour to maintain a professional approach to my work at all times and contribute
positively within my team.
E2: I have received formal IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health)
Working Safely training and maintain a health and safety awareness through further
training on safe working practices and introduction of a permit to work systems. I have
conducted contractor health and safety inductions and carried out risk assessments prior
to the issuing of permits to work (eg hot works, confined spaces and ammonia gas
permits) before allowing work to commence.
E3: As Engineering Manager I was responsible for the sites utility consumption (electricity, gas
and water) and was targeted with achieving a reduction in utility consumption of 10% measured
against production output. I achieved this through identifying area's were reductions could be
made with minimal investment, eg. ensuring equipment was not running when not required such as
conveyors, compressors and lighting. And through capital investment programmes including
lighting and lighting control upgrades, installation of variable speed drive equipment and ongoing
monitoring programmes of steam traps and shut off valves.
E4: I maintain a record of my CPD activities and have recently (August '12) undertaken training on
Preventative Maintenance systems relevant to my current role. I am also pursuing further training
on health and safety and permit to work systems. I maintain a technical knowledge by attending
seminars and reading relevant technical literature on the maintenance of building systems.
How have you complied with relevant codes of conduct?•E1
How have you managed and applied safe systems of work?•E2
How have you undertaken engineering activities in a way that contributes
to sustainable development?
•E3
How have you carried out continuing professional development (CPD)
necessary to maintain and enhance competence in your own area of
practice?
•E4

Your organisation chart
We need to see an organisation chart of your current employment which clearly shows
your position within the organisation, any direct reports that you have, specifically
mentioning if any of your direct reports are registered engineers. You should put a ring
around your position to highlight it. Please ensure that your chart is A4 and legible in
black and white, and that the file is no larger than 4MB.
The purpose of the organisation chart is to help us understand the size and type of
organisation for which you work, and where your own personal accountability lies. This
will give us a sense of the likely responsibility and authority your role conveys and will
help us frame questions for your interview.
Are you part of an organisation?
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Yes
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No

Development action plan
Your development as an engineer will never stop; you should make a commitment to
keep up to date with the profession. This section lets us know what you plan to do over
the next few years.
Your responses should tell us where you are now, where you want to be, and how you
plan to get there.
Keep your goals short and concise. Each answer should be no longer than 50 words.
Short term goals: 6-12 months
My immediate objective is to become a Chartered Engineer and to become more
involved in local IMechE activities within the region. I will also be continuing my
professional development within my current role and maintainign my CPD portfolio.
Medium term goals: 1-2 years
In the medium term I plan to further my knowledge and experience of engineering
maintenance systems and the implementation of Planned Preventative Maintenance
regimes. I also plan on developing my project management skills through further training
and on the job experience.
Long term goals: 2-5 years
In the long term I plan to develop my business and financial awareness skills and
progress to a senior management postion within an engineering environment. I shall
promote engineering as a career and support the engineers and maintenance personnel
within my current role and work towards fellowship of the IMechE.

gfedcb
Your first sponsor
(Either an Incorporated or Chartered
Engineer registered with the engineering
council)Title
First name
Gavin
Surname
McHenry
Email
McHenry_Gavin_J@fgwilson.com
Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
65 64 1977
Professional Engineering Institution Name
6IMechE
IMechE Member Number or EngC
Number (required)
Your second sponsor
Title
First name
Robert Ernest
Surname
McGrath
Email
emcgrath@6hillsborough.freeserve.co.uk
Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
67 67 1947
Professional Engineering Institution Name
6IMechE
IMechE Member Number or EngC
Number (if applicable)
Sponsors
Applicants for CEng registration should be sponsored by one Chartered Engineer
registered with the Engineering Council, and a second sponsor who can be the
applicant’s line manager or another professional engineer.
If your sponsor has not already checked your application you can download the PDF
version here. Save your progress using the button below and then come back to this
section when your sponsor has confirmed that they've read your application and agree
with the content.
By ticking this box you are confirming that your sponsors have read your application
and agree that you are ready for consideration for CEng registration and Membership of
the IMechE.
Once your application has been submitted, we will contact your sponsors for
confirmation.
6Mr 6Mr

76967560 68269875

N. Weir (Final) CEng_AppForm03-10-2012_2310

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N. Weir (Final) CEng_AppForm03-10-2012_2310