Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement Manager

Kilrea, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior

Posted 14 Oct 2026

The Opportunity

Hutchinson Engineering is seeking an experienced, ambitious manufacturing professional to lead the next stage of our manufacturing development. This senior, hands-on role reports to the Operations Director and works closely with Production Management and the Technical Manager.

You will drive process improvement, own new product introduction (NPI), lead a team of design engineers on DfM activity and a team of junior manufacturing technicians that you'll mentor and develop. It's a chance to make a visible impact on a growing, technology-focused business, including the development of advanced manufacturing cells and robotic welding.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Improvement

• Lead a structured improvement programme across cutting, folding, fabrication, welding, assembly and finishing, targeting productivity, right-first-time quality and cost.
• Analyse variance and defect data to prioritise actions, and work with Production to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Standardise processes and ensure improvements are permanently embedded.

New Product Introduction

• Own NPI, embedding a proportionate PFMEA approach to pre-production planning.
• Support equipment and technology selection, drive schedule adherence for DfM activity & first off builds.
• Review new processes after launch to drive further optimisation and engage customers on DfM opportunities.

Advanced Manufacturing & Automation

• Develop selective automation suited to a high-mix, low-volume environment, including robotic welding and machine tending.
  
  Track emerging technologies and propose investments with clear RoI.
• Work with the Technical Manager and external integrators to ensure effective implementation of new manufacturing technology.
• Embed a practical CI culture focused on measurable gains in production flow, not Lean methodology for its own sake.

Candidate Profile

• Significant manufacturing engineering or CI experience in a production environment, with a track record of measurable improvements.
• Experience introducing new processes, equipment or technologies and leading projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong practical process knowledge, structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Solid grasp of manufacturing performance measures.
• Experience coaching or developing less experienced technical staff.
• Visible, hands-on, and people-focused leadership style
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable at both strategic and shop-floor level.
• Previous engineering or leadership role in a sheet metal cut, fold and fabrication environment.
• Good understanding of advanced welding process controls (e.g. ISO 3834, ASME IX, AWS D1.1)
• Experience scoping and implementing robotics
• Experience developing a Lean manufacturing culture
• Operating knowledge of ERP/MRP systems

A degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronic or Industrial Engineering (or related) is advantageous, though substantial relevant experience will also be considered.