Lead Manufacturing Engineer
M40 Corridor, West Midlands
Salary: c.£50,000–£55,000 + package
We are supporting a growing, privately owned engineering business specialising in fabricated, engineered-to-order products. Operating in a fast-paced, customer-led environment, the business is seeing increasing demand and is now looking to strengthen the link between design, NPI and manufacturing.
This role sits as a key business partner to the Operations Director, focused on improving the accuracy, feasibility and efficiency of how products move from design through to production.
The Opportunity
This is a highly visible position, acting as the bridge between design engineering, NPI and the shop floor. You will take ownership of ensuring that designs are not only technically sound, but practical, cost-effective and manufacturable in a real-world production environment.
The focus is on getting it right upfront. Improving design intent, reducing rework, increasing right-first-time delivery and creating a more structured, scalable approach to manufacturing engineering.
This is a hands-on role, suited to someone who is comfortable challenging design, working closely with engineers and production teams, and driving improvements that are grounded in reality.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as a business partner to the Operations Director on all manufacturing engineering matters
* Work closely with design engineers to improve design for manufacture, accuracy and feasibility
* Own the manufacturing input into NPI, ensuring smooth transition from concept to production
* Improve right-first-time performance by reducing design and process-related issues
* Develop and refine manufacturing processes across fabrication, assembly and finishing
* Introduce structure around routings, BOM accuracy, work instructions and process standards
* Support production teams in resolving engineering and process challenges on the shop floor
* Drive continuous improvement activity across quality, cost and lead time
About You
You will be a practical, commercially aware manufacturing engineer who can operate across design and production, with the credibility to influence both.
* Experience within fabrication, sheet metal, welded assemblies or similar environments
* Strong understanding of design for manufacture (DFM) and engineered-to-order production
* Proven ability to improve design accuracy and manufacturing feasibility
* Experience working closely with NPI and design engineering teams
* Hands-on approach with a strong presence on the shop floor
* Comfortable challenging assumptions and influencing stakeholders at different levels
* Able to operate with autonomy in a growing, evolving business
We are supporting several clients across the region with similar requirements. Suitable applicants may be considered for a range of comparable opportunities.
This vacancy is advertised by Continuum Recruitment Group Ltd, acting as a recruitment agency. We are an equal opportunities recruiter and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. By applying, you consent to your data being processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.