Manufacturing Engineering Team Lead

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system).
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO
  9001 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.

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