MES Implementation Lead
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Role overview
This role sits at the senior end of MES delivery. We’re looking for an experienced MES Implementation Lead who can take ownership of end‑to‑end MES implementations across manufacturing environments, from early discovery through to go‑live and post‑implementation support.
Unlike a pure engineering role, this position carries delivery leadership and accountability. You will still be technically hands‑on, but your primary value comes from shaping implementations, guiding customers, and leading successful outcomes rather than simply configuring systems.
You will act as the senior point of contact for MES delivery on assigned projects, bridging manufacturing operations, control systems, cloud platforms, and internal product teams.
What you’ll be responsible for
Leading MES implementations
* Own the delivery of MES implementations from initial requirements through to deployment and stabilisation.
* Lead discovery workshops to understand manufacturing processes, production lines, constraints, and improvement opportunities.
* Translate operational and business needs into clear MES designs, configurations, and delivery plans.
Technical ownership
* Oversee and contribute to MES system configuration, integration, and validation.
* Guide the integration of MES platforms with shop‑floor systems (PLC, SCADA, IoT/edge devices) and enterprise systems (ERP, quality, WMS/WCS).
* Ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with real‑world manufacturing operations.
Client leadership
* Act as the senior, trusted technical lead for clients during delivery.
* Provide clear direction, manage expectations, and handle complex technical or operational challenges.
* Deliver and oversee training for key stakeholders and end users, ensuring strong adoption.
Internal leadership
* Act as a technical escalation point for other implementation engineers.
* Contribute to improving delivery standards, implementation frameworks, and documentation.
* Work closely with product and development teams to influence platform enhancements based on delivery experience.
What we’re looking for
Experience
* Significant experience delivering MES or manufacturing IT solutions in live production environments.
* A background that combines manufacturing operations understanding with technical implementation capability.
* Proven experience leading or owning MES implementations rather than contributing as a junior team member.
Technical foundation
* Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (food, beverage, or process manufacturing experience is highly relevant).
* Hands‑on experience with:
* MES / MOM platforms
* Industrial integration (PLC, SCADA, OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus)
* Manufacturing data flows between shop floor and cloud systems
* Microsoft Azure environments
* SQL and manufacturing data analysis / visualisation (e.g. Power BI)
* Comfortable validating, testing, and troubleshooting complex systems.
Ways of working
* Confident operating independently on client sites and leading delivery discussions.
* Able to communicate clearly with operators, engineers, IT teams, and senior stakeholders.
* Structured, accountable, and comfortable making decisions in ambiguous environments.
Who this role is for (and who it isn’t)
This role is for you if:
* You have already delivered MES implementations and want greater ownership and influence.
* You enjoy being hands‑on technically while also leading delivery and client relationships.
* You are comfortable being accountable for outcomes, not just tasks.
This role is not for you if:
* You are looking for a purely configuration‑focused or junior engineering position.
* You prefer limited client interaction or narrowly defined technical tasks.
* You have not yet worked in live manufacturing environments.
Practical details
* Location: Hybrid – Slough office, remote working, and client sites
* Travel: Regular UK travel; some international travel may be required
* Reporting to: Delivery / Project Leadership
* Right to work: UK