Sheet Metal Lead Engineer

The Lead Sheet Metal Engineering is responsible for the leadership, development and execution of all engineering activities within the Sheet Metal Manufacturing operations. The role translates engineering strategy into operational delivery, ensuring safe, efficient and high‑performing manufacturing processes, equipment and facilities. The position provides technical leadership across sheet metal fabrication, CNC operations, automation, tooling, layout optimisation, quality improvement and continuous improvement activities while supporting operational performance, OEE and future growth.

A key role in supporting the Department Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the sheet metal department, ensuring smooth operations, continuous improvement, and high‑quality output.

• Lead a Safety First culture across all engineering activities.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain risk assessments, SSOW, SOPs and engineering standards.
• Support PUWER, manual handling and workplace safety improvements.

• Own engineering support for sheet metal production operations.
• Ensure equipment reliability, uptime and responsiveness to breakdowns.
• Prioritise engineering workload aligned to production requirements.
• Lead engineering reviews and escalation processes.

• Provide technical leadership across laser cutting, punching, bending, fabrication and assembly processes.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure manufacturability and process capability.
• Resolve fit, form and function issues through structured problem solving.
• Drive standardisation of processes, tooling and work instructions.
• Support BOM accuracy and manufacturing data integrity.

• Evaluate machinery performance and identify upgrade opportunities.
• Lead business cases, selection and implementation of new equipment.
• Support automation, PLC‑controlled systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Plan and implement factory layout improvements to enhance flow, safety and productivity.
• Manage suppliers and contractors during installation and commissioning.

• Support deployment and governance of OEE measurement.
• Analyse downtime, performance losses and quality losses.
• Drive engineering‑led improvements to increase availability and throughput.
• Reduce waste, micro‑stoppages and process variation using Lean and CI tools.
• Provide data‑driven insights using Power BI and operational metrics.

• Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement activities.
• Embed Lean Manufacturing and standard work principles.
• Deliver cost reduction, productivity and quality improvement projects.

• Lead engineering projects from concept to implementation.
• Support NPI, operational readiness and process validation.
• Ensure robust commissioning, handover and documentation.

• Work closely with Quality to ensure robust engineering standards and processes.
• Support development and adherence to Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure engineering changes are controlled, documented, and validated.

• Strong engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and CNC manufacturing processes.
• Experience in OEE, TPM and operational performance improvement.
• Strong project management and capital investment experience.
• Proficiency in CAD systems (Inventor, AutoCAD or equivalent).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Experience using Power BI and manufacturing performance data.

• 25 days holiday
• Pension contribution matched up to 8%
• Life Assurance 3x base salary
• Genuit sharesave scheme