Job Description:
Owen Daniels are supporting a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing organisation is seeking a
Senior Manufacturing / Process Engineering Lead to take ownership of engineering excellence, drive continuous improvement and lead cultural change across the operation.
This is a senior, influential role for an experienced engineer who can combine deep technical capability with strong leadership to design bespoke components, introduce advanced manufacturing solutions and embed best-in-class engineering and CI practices.
The Role
As a senior member of the engineering function, you will lead from the front — setting standards, driving improvement strategy and developing the capability of both processes and people.
You will have accountability for the design, implementation and optimisation of manufacturing systems while acting as a key change agent across the business.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the design and implementation of bespoke components, machinery, systems and manufacturing processes
- Owning and driving continuous improvement strategy, embedding CI culture across engineering and production teams
- Acting as technical authority for process engineering and manufacturing improvement
- Project managing complex engineering initiatives from concept through to delivery
- Driving waste reduction, downtime elimination and delivery performance improvements
- Leading structured problem-solving using A3, 5 Whys, RCA, Lean and Six Sigma tools
- Ensuring all engineering changes are costed, documented, approved and controlled
- Eliminating production non-conformances and implementing sustainable preventative controls
- Ensuring manufacturing processes are supported by robust training, documentation and quality controls
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant machinery, safety and environmental legislation
- Designing and approving pneumatic, electrical and control systems
- Leading PLC and HMI design, modification and fault-finding activities
- Using data to lead targeted improvement events and review performance against objectives
- Preparing and presenting technical and strategic reports to senior leadership
- Coaching, mentoring and developing engineers and production teams
- Working closely with production, quality and development teams to align engineering delivery with business goals
- Contributing to and owning the long-term engineering roadmap in line with business strategy
Skills, Knowledge & Experience Essential:- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent extensive industry experience
- Significant experience in a Senior / Lead Manufacturing or Process Engineering role
- Strong background in designing bespoke components and manufacturing solutions
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering fundamentals
- Proven ability to lead continuous improvement and cultural change
- Expert problem-solving capability using Lean and structured CI methodologies
- Strong knowledge of process-related standards and compliance requirements
- Ability to produce and interpret detailed engineering drawings
- Experience optimising:
- Facility layouts
- Production lines
- Machine operations and workflows
- Proven experience designing:
- Pneumatic control systems
- Electrical control systems
- PLC and HMI software (design, modification and diagnostics)
- CNC programming experience
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
- Confident leader with a proactive, driven and improvement-focused mindset
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and engineering software packages
If this role is of interest, please click apply now to be considered.