Lead Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Manufacturing Engineer to head the delivery of manufacturing projects across New Product Introduction (NPI), sustaining engineering, Engineer‑to‑Order (ETO) and distributed manufacturing. You will lead a team of Project Manufacturing Engineers, ensuring safe, efficient and on‑time delivery while driving manufacturing readiness and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team of Project Manufacturing Engineers.
• Manage the manufacturing project portfolio, delivering projects on schedule, within budget and to specification.
• Own and enhance the Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR) process.
• Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks before production launch.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality and Project teams.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop team processes, documentation, KPIs and visual management systems.
• Control project expenditure and support governance and audit activities.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading manufacturing or project engineering teams.
• Track record delivering NPI, sustaining engineering, ETO or manufacturing improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrialisation and production readiness.
• Experience managing KPIs, business plans and engineering resources.
• Hands‑on expertise with Lean tools such as Kaizen, Standard Work, PFMEA, Value Stream Mapping, 6S and TPM.
• Solid project‑management and problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic assemblies.
• Experience using ERP systems and engineering documentation.

Required skills

• Kaizen
• Standard Work
• PFMEA
• Value Stream Mapping
• 6S
• TPM
• ERP systems
• Mechanical assemblies
• Electrical assemblies
• Pneumatic assemblies

What we offer

• Up to 7.5% annual bonus
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Wellbeing programme
• Discounted gym memberships
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking and subsidised canteen