Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the Manufacturing Engineering team to ensure operational support, quality standards and successful new product launches. The role combines technical oversight, continuous improvement and people leadership within a fast‑moving engineering environment.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing engineering activities across process flow, layout, equipment specification and implementation.
• Support trials, equipment acceptance and validation for new product introductions.
• Provide engineering support for NPI, launch and change‑management projects.
• Liaise with customers and internal functions to resolve feasibility and product introduction issues.
• Drive structured problem‑solving (e.g., 8D) and promote proactive quality practices.
• Define, track and report KPI performance, ensuring data drives action.
• Promote a strong health‑and‑safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE procedures and relevant standards such as IATF16949.
• Lead continuous‑improvement and cost‑reduction initiatives, coordinating Kaizen activities and introducing best‑practice technologies.
• Manage, coach and develop the engineering team, overseeing training, certification and performance.
• Monitor project budgets, labour spend and CAPEX responsibilities.

Required profile

• HNC/HND level education in an engineering discipline.
• Proven experience managing a multi‑skilled team of Manufacturing Engineers, preferably in automotive or FMCG.
• Working knowledge of continuous‑improvement tools with demonstrable results.
• Influential, motivational coaching style with strong communication skills.
• Strong focus on health & safety and a proactive problem‑solving attitude.
• Computer literate with Microsoft Office suite.
• Desirable: degree‑level engineering education, experience in a unionised automotive environment, Green Belt Six Sigma certification, and a track record of leading CI projects.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Six Sigma Green Belt methodology.
• Continuous Improvement tools (e.g., 8D, Kaizen).
• Knowledge of industry standards such as IATF16949.