Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Based at our Ellesmere Port site, we are seeking a proactive and technically astute Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the ME function across our UK Manufacturing operations. This critical role is responsible for driving operational excellence through process optimisation, technical leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ME Manager plays a key role in shaping production capabilities, supporting strategic growth, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solutions. The role demands a hands-on leader with a strong engineering background, capable of balancing strategic thinking with operational execution.

A key focus of this role is to ensure the successful introduction of new products (NPI). The ME Manager will lead the engineering readiness for new product launches, ensuring that processes, tooling, and systems are in place to support smooth and scalable industrialisation. The role also provides day-to-day support to the manufacturing production lines, ensuring technical issues are resolved quickly and production targets are met.

New Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ME team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide day-to-day engineering support to manufacturing production lines, resolving technical issues and driving performance.
• Own and develop manufacturing processes, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and compliant with quality and safety standards.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Lead the successful introduction of new products (NPI), ensuring engineering readiness, process validation, and seamless integration into production.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure alignment and execution across functions.
• Manage capital investment projects, from concept through to commissioning, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including process flows, work instructions, and risk assessments.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to engineering efficiency, downtime, and project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in an ME leadership role within a complex production environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and industrial automation.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering engineering projects.
• Experience in NPI industrialisation and engineering change management.
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and engineering tools (e.g., CAD, FMEA, SPC).
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Key Skills

• Technical Leadership: Ability to guide engineering teams through complex challenges and deliver robust manufacturing solutions.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical mindset with a structured approach to root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Project Management: Skilled in planning, executing, and delivering engineering projects on time and within budget.
• Process Optimisation: Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communicator and influencer across departments including Production, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with changing priorities.
• Attention to Detail: High standards for quality, documentation, and compliance.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align engineering activities with broader business goals and operational strategy.

What We’re Looking For

• A hands-on leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for manufacturing excellence.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A structured and detail-oriented engineer with strong project management capabilities.
• An individual with high aspirations, a growth-oriented mindset, and the ambition to progress into senior leadership roles.