Job Title: Technical Manager - Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Coventry Area
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Overview:
A well-established automotive manufacturing business based in the Coventry area is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead its Technical Department. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for tooling, process development, and technical problem-solving across prototype and production environments.
The successful candidate will act as the technical authority within the business, working closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure robust manufacturing processes, mature tooling, and high-quality outputs.
Key Responsibilities:
Tooling, DFM & Process Development:
* Lead the design, manufacture, trial, and optimisation of tooling for new and existing products.
* Provide Design for Manufacture (DFM) input for prototype and production parts.
* Translate complex engineering drawings into efficient, repeatable fabrication processes.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across tooling and production methods.
* Resolve complex technical issues relating to fabrication and assembly processes.
Technical Leadership & Support:
* Apply expert knowledge of MIG, TIG, and spot welding to support troubleshooting and development.
* Oversee the design and build of weld fixtures, laser fixtures, and inspection gauges.
* Support additive-manufactured checking fixtures and prototype part manufacture.
* Act as the primary technical escalation point for tooling and fabrication challenges.
* Identify opportunities for investment in new equipment and manufacturing technologies.
* Ensure all technical activities comply with Health & Safety requirements.
Experience & Skills Required:
Essential:
* Proven experience in an automotive or manufacturing fabrication environment.
* Strong CAD/CAM capability with in-depth knowledge of presswork, laser cutting (3 & 5 axis), brake press, welding, and metal finishing.
* Excellent understanding of DFM principles, tooling development, and prototype maturation.
* Ability to interpret and work confidently from complex engineering drawings.
* Demonstrated leadership, project management, and technical problem-solving skills.
* Strong knowledge of HSE standards in manufacturing.
Desirable:
* Experience leading a technical or engineering department.
* Exposure to NPI and PPAP processes.
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques.
* Advanced CAD/CAM software experience.
Personal Attributes:
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence technical decisions.
* Hands-on, solutions-focused leader with strong attention to detail.
* Comfortable working autonomously with full ownership of technical direction.
* Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Strong commercial awareness and analytical mindset.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000.
* Senior leadership role with real influence on business performance.
* Opportunity to shape tooling strategy, processes, and technical standards.
* Stable, well-established manufacturing environment.
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