Job Description
Technical Manager£70,000 per annumChesterMonday to FridayWe are recruiting on behalf of a leading industrial manufacturing organisation for a Technical Manager to oversee end-to-end technical delivery across a diverse engineering and production environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping technical strategy, driving operational excellence, and leading a growing engineering team through a significant period of development and investment.The successful candidate will take ownership of product design, CNC programming, and manufacturing engineering activities, ensuring robust processes are in place from concept through to full production. This role will also play a central part in the development and implementation of a new ERP system and the establishment of standardised ways of working across the technical function.With responsibility for a small but expanding team (currently 4 direct reports, growing to circa 6 within 12 months), this position requires both strategic leadership and hands-on technical capability.Key Responsibilities The Technical Manager will:Lead and develop a multidisciplinary technical team covering design, CNC programming, and manufacturing engineeringOversee the full lifecycle of new and existing products, from early development and prototyping through to production and customer deliveryOwn and govern manufacturing processes across a wide range of operations including casting, rolling, extrusion, machining, and fabricationDrive the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, ensuring seamless transition from commercial award to production readinessDevelop and implement PFMEA, control plans, and standardised work instructions to ensure robust and repeatable processesWork closely with Health & Safety to ensure all process designs are safe, compliant, and consider human factorsCollaborate with commercial teams to align production capability with demand requirements, including capacity planning, factory layout, and CAPEX inputSupport the design and rollout of a new ERP system, ensuring it meets current and future technical and operational needsDefine and implement technical standards, engineering governance, and change control processesDrive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve cost, quality, and efficiencyLead root cause analysis and resolution of complex non-conformance and quality issuesSupport budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimisation activities across the technical functionDevelop capability within the team through structured training, skills assessment, and competency development planningContribute to medium and long-term operational and technical strategy, including future growth and scaling requirementsSupport R&D and innovation activities, driving new ideas through to implementation and stable productionProvide technical input into bids, estimates, and customer or stakeholder discussions where requiredCollaborate cross-functionally with maintenance, quality, and production teams to improve overall operational performanceSkills & Experience The ideal candidate will bring:A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent significant experience)Proven experience leading technical engineering teams in a manufacturing environmentStrong background in end-to-end production process ownership, including design, CNC programming, or manufacturing engineeringDemonstrable experience delivering successful NPI projects, including PFMEA and control plan developmentStrong understanding of factory layout, process flow, line balancing, and operational efficiencyExperience operating in a Lean manufacturing environment, with application of Six Sigma and continuous improvement toolsKnowledge of ISO9001 quality systems and engineering standardsAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings confidentlyExperience managing technical projects through to completionStrong problem-solving skills with a structured root cause analysis approachExperience with ERP or MES system implementation is highly desirableCommercial awareness with experience supporting budgeting and cost control activitiesExcellent communication skills, with the ability to engage across technical and non-technical stakeholdersAdditional Information Location: ChesterSalary: £70,000 per annum (depending on experience)Hours: Monday to Friday, 36 hours per weekEmployment type: Permanent, full-time staff positionReporting to: Operations DirectorDirect reports: 4 (growing to approximately 6 within 12 months)This is a high-impact leadership role suited to a technically strong, commercially aware engineering leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and is motivated by building capability, structure, and long-term operational success.TPBN1_UKTJ