Manufacturing Engineering Manager

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the Manufacturing Engineering function within a dynamic industrial manufacturing environment.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing engineering teams, supporting production operations and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. Working closely with Operations, Production, Quality, Supply Chain and Maintenance, you will ensure engineering excellence while delivering improvements in safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance and cost.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven leadership capabilities, driving operational performance and developing a high-performing engineering organisation.

Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Engineering Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.


• Set engineering priorities and allocate resources to effectively support manufacturing operations.


• Provide technical leadership across manufacturing processes, equipment and operational improvements.


• Develop technical capability and succession plans within the engineering team.

Manufacturing Operations Support

• Partner closely with Production and Operations teams to ensure efficient day-to-day manufacturing performance.


• Support production by resolving technical challenges, improving process stability and minimising downtime.


• Balance engineering priorities across multiple production areas while responding to changing business needs.


• Ensure engineering activities align with production schedules and customer commitments.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.


• Drive process optimisation projects focused on improving productivity, quality, efficiency and cost.


• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities, implementing sustainable corrective and preventive actions.


• Promote best practices and standardisation across manufacturing processes.

Process & Project Engineering

• Develop, implement and optimise manufacturing processes to support operational excellence.


• Lead engineering support for new product introductions, manufacturing transfers and production launches.


• Manage capital investment projects, equipment upgrades and process improvement initiatives.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver engineering solutions that support business growth.

Performance Management

• Monitor and improve key manufacturing performance indicators, including safety, quality, productivity, equipment effectiveness, downtime, delivery performance and cost.


• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.


• Support the implementation of performance reporting and operational review processes.


• Ensure compliance with quality, safety and regulatory requirements across engineering activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Operations and Production teams to improve overall plant performance.


• Build strong relationships across the organisation to ensure alignment on operational priorities.


• Support business initiatives through effective communication, technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving.

About You

You are an experienced engineering leader with a strong manufacturing background and a passion for operational excellence. You thrive in fast-paced production environments, enjoy developing people and are motivated by delivering sustainable improvements through engineering innovation and continuous improvement.

You are equally comfortable providing strategic direction and working closely with operational teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Production or a related Engineering discipline.


• Significant experience in Manufacturing Engineering within an industrial or manufacturing environment.


• Proven experience leading Manufacturing Engineering teams.


• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering and production optimisation.


• Experience supporting production operations within high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.


• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen and structured problem-solving methodologies.


• Experience leading process improvement, automation and operational excellence initiatives.


• Demonstrated success managing capital investment and engineering projects.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.


• Experience working in cross-functional manufacturing organisations.


• Knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing reporting tools is advantageous.


• Fluent English is essential.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and coaching capabilities.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


• Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach.


• Results-oriented with a focus on operational excellence.


• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.


• Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic manufacturing environment.


• Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across multiple business functions.


• Strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

This role offers the opportunity to lead Manufacturing Engineering within an established industrial manufacturing organisation, driving engineering excellence and operational performance across the business. You will play a key role in developing manufacturing capability, leading engineering teams and delivering strategic improvement initiatives that support business growth, operational efficiency and long-term manufacturing success.