Manufacturing Engineering Lead

Manufacturing Engineering Lead at Hobson Craig

Location:

Redditch (commutable from Birmingham, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Solihull, Alcester, Dudley, Droitwich, West Bromwich, Kidderminster, Wolverhampton, Walsall)

The client is a leading global manufacturer of precision‑forged and machined components. We are recruiting a Manufacturing Engineering Lead to join our team in Redditch. The successful candidate will optimise manufacturing processes, improve product quality and production efficiency, support NPI projects into production, and lead the manufacturing engineering team.

• Lead prioritisation and allocation of manufacturing engineering activities; oversee engineering delivery and ensure solutions are achieved.
• Analyse, develop and optimise manufacturing processes for optimum quality, cost‑effectiveness and health and safety.
• Drive strong process control and capability across the manufacturing operations.
• Apply lean manufacturing and industrial engineering optimisation techniques (Kaizen, time studies, line balancing, value stream mapping).
• Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives targeting quality improvement, production gains, right‑first‑time (RFT) and waste reduction.
• Support and execute NPI projects, including development of production process, tooling, work instructions and validation plans.
• Liaise with design and development teams to ensure seamless transition of new designs into production (DFMA principles).
• Implement APQP processes to ensure product and process readiness for manufacture and timely delivery.
• Lead PPAP to verify that product design and manufacturing processes meet required specifications and are capable of volume production.
• Identify and implement process improvements, technology upgrades and manufacturing methods.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, applying structured RCA and lead CAPA in line with 8D and DMAIC methodologies.
• Define, document and maintain robust manufacturing process controls (routings, work instructions, SOPs).
• Develop and validate manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges and other measurement systems to ensure quality.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP, customer‑specific requirements).
• Monitor KPIs such as yield, scrap, RFT and use data to drive fact‑based decisions.

• Strong engineering project management experience with thorough understanding of associated tools and techniques.
• Leadership experience in an industrial engineering team.
• Extensive practical experience in industrial forging, machining, fabrication or similar manufacturing engineering role in aerospace, defence, automotive or high‑spec industrial environments.
• Preferably a degree (HND or equivalent) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, RFT and waste reduction.
• Hands‑on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D, DMAIC.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience in process validation, PFMEA, control plans and SPC.
• Good working knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100).

Bonus scheme, cashback, vouchers, free on‑site parking, social events.

For more details and  the company website or contact the recruitment team directly.