Manufacturing Engineering Team Lead

Pension scheme Good development opportunities Employee discounts Attractive remuneration system Work-life integration Health initiatives Flexible working hours Mobile working

Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes. Define, validate, and optimise production processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and cost‑effectiveness. Oversee process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plans for new or modified processes. Collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth product introduction. Manage tooling lifecycle: specification, procurement, commissioning, maintenance & calibration strategy & delivery, and end‑of‑life planning. Analyse production performance data and Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities. Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness. Support cost‑reduction programmes through process optimisation and waste elimination. Lead LEAN transformation activities across the manufacturing area. Facilitate Kaizen events, root‑cause analysis sessions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving workshops. Implement and sustain 5S practices, ensuring workplace organisation becomes part of daily culture. Train and mentor teams in LEAN tools such as value stream mapping, SMED, visual management, and standard work. Manage and develop the Manufacturing Engineering and Test Manufacturing Engineering teams. Set clear priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with operational goals. Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and Engineering and R&D teams to resolve issues and support daily operations. Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. Ensure process documentation, work instructions, and configuration items are accurate and up to date. Maintain compliance with the company’s quality management system and relevant industry standards. Oversee ERP/MRP configuration related to manufacturing processes, routings, and BOM accuracy. Support audits and drive corrective actions where required.

Essential Experience: Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar). Proven experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures. Strong background in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and control plan creation. Demonstrated success implementing LEAN methodologies, such as Kaizen, 5S and value stream mapping. Track record of delivering measurable improvements in production efficiency, cycle time, yield etc. Hands‑on experience in a live production environment. Experience leading structured problem‑solving activities. Competence in ERP/MRP systems, including configuration of routings, BOMs, and process data. Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Desirable: Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system). Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO9001 and AS9100. Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technicians, or significant project leadership demonstrating equivalent capability. Experience of working with and processing optical fibres including splicing and joining. Technical understanding and experience of manufacturing optical devices.