Sara Ridley

Dr Sara Ridley is the Engineering & Quality Director of Autocraft Solutions Group. Inspired by WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), Sara put her enthusiasm for problem solving to good use, completing a manufacturing apprenticeship. This led to a first-class BSc Engineering degree at the University of Northampton.

Whilst studying, Sara began working for Caterpillar Remanufacturing in engineering and operations eventually working at sites across Europe. The expansion of her role helped her understanding of the ecological and economic benefits of remanufacturing and she found a huge passion for improving processes and controls. This in turn led to Sara being awarded an Industrial Fellowship for her doctoral research from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. Her research has been published in both remanufacturing and production journals and she has received international awards for her academic papers.

Sara moved to MAHLE Powertrain in 2013, becoming Head of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality for their four UK sites. Sara was part of the MAHLE European Talent Development Programme for Leadership in 2017/18. The MAHLE strategic decision to withdraw from manufacturing in the UK in 2018 led to the closure and sale of the Wellingborough site and, having managed the site closure, Sara decided upon a return to her roots in remanufacturing with Autocraft.

She is a enthusiastic STEM Ambassador, supporting local school engineering clubs and leading activities in Girls Into Engineering days. Her aim is to encourage young people to study mathematics and science at school and see the wide and inspiring range of engineering and technological careers. Sara is concerned about the image of engineering that she feels contributes to the lack of girls and women in the profession. She regularly engages with schools and universities to develop strategies to counter this.