Manufacturing Engineering Manager — Operations & NPI Leadership

Manufacturing Engineering Manager - Operations

As part of the Manufacturing Engineering Operations team, you will develop and lead a cost‑effective, innovative manufacturing strategy for printed circuit assembly and final assembly, driving seamless introduction of new products into Operations and ensuring quality, delivery performance, safety and cost targets are met.

• Role model fair, proactive and consistent people management, addressing absence, conduct and capability issues professionally in line with policy
• Communicate clearly and frequently to ensure strong information flow, alignment and shared ownership across teams and departments
• Drive engagement through recognition, meaningful feedback, open dialogue and involvement in improvement activities
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, learning and continuous improvement where individuals feel empowered to share ideas, solve problems and build capability
• Create a supportive, high‑performance environment that encourages constructive feedback, team‑led problem solving and cross‑functional cooperation
• Hold individuals accountable for behaviours and performance while providing coaching and support to enable their success

• Maintain deep expertise in electronics manufacturing best practices to keep the organisation aligned with leading‑edge technologies for PCAs and electrical/electronic assemblies
• Set, monitor and achieve ambitious OEE targets, ensuring robust engineering support is provided to all manufacturing zones to maximise productivity, quality and equipment uptime
• Collaborate closely with NPI teams to allocate Manufacturing Engineering resources effectively and ensure manufacturability standards are consistently applied across all product groups
• Establish and enforce standardised NPI processes including routing timelines, DFMEA, PFMEA and build standards (e.g. AOI, pick‑to‑light, engraving) for uniformity, compliance and readiness for volume production
• Ensure active and consistent Manufacturing Engineering participation in Manufacturing Reviews (MR), Technical Reviews (TR) and the PCP process to drive site‑wide standards for new product introduction and design‑for‑manufacture excellence
• Optimise shop‑floor layout and space utilisation proactively to support current operations, future growth and new product introduction

• Lead and reinforce the SHE programme, promoting visible safety leadership and reducing physical and behavioural risks
• Promote a culture where safety, quality and process discipline are embedded in all daily activities

• Create a supportive, high‑performance environment that encourages constructive feedback, team‑led problem solving and cross‑functional cooperation
• Drive the continued development and deployment of the Vacuum Technique Production System (VTPS) in partnership with the BPI Lead, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the site
• Strengthen and evolve the Manufacturing Engineering organisation, providing decisive leadership in recruitment, capability development, performance management and organisational design to build a high‑performing, future‑ready team
• Manage Cost‑Centre budgets and headcount strategically, ensuring accurate forecasting, disciplined cost control and transparent reporting against financial and operational targets
• Support the Operations Manager in delivering the Eastbourne site’s OGSM, contributing to long‑term site development, operational strategy and cross‑functional alignment
• Collaborate closely with NPI teams to allocate Manufacturing Engineering resources effectively, ensuring manufacturability standards are consistently applied across all product groups
• Ensure full compliance with safety procedures, statutory requirements, Risk Control Elements and ISO 45001:2018 standards

Essential Skillset

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Thorough knowledge and experience of…