Engineering and Maintenance Manager
Darlaston, England, United Kingdom
About the Role
As a key member of the Plant Leadership Team, the Engineering & Maintenance Manager is responsible for delivering world-class equipment availability, process capability, and plant infrastructure. This role combines strategic engineering leadership with hands‑on maintenance and facilities management, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations. It spans process engineering, facilities and site services, environmental health & safety systems, automation and digital manufacturing integration, and the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives aligned with ZF Production System (ZFPS) standards.
Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate, and develop a multi‑disciplinary engineering and maintenance team across multiple shifts; set clear objectives, manage performance, build capabilities, and embed a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement in alignment with ZF’s operational excellence strategy.
* Lead process and test engineering for current production and new product introduction; drive automation initiatives including robot and AGV implementation; oversee lean manufacturing line design and optimisation; manage CAPEX projects from justification to commissioning and support zero‑defect performance through rapid root cause problem‑solving.
* Own and implement preventive, predictive, and autonomous maintenance systems to improve OEE, MTBF and MTTR; manage site utilities, infrastructure and statutory compliance; oversee facility upgrades and equipment installations; control maintenance budgets and inventory; improve CMMS for data‑driven decision‑making.
* Ensure full compliance with ZF Production System standards by embedding lean tools such as 5S, TPM, SMED, standardised work and visual management; lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, scrap and cost while improving throughput, yield and labour efficiency.
* Support the EHS coordinator to ensure compliance with ISO standards (14001, 18001, 45001, 50001) and statutory regulations; manage contractor control, permits to work and site safety systems; promote energy reduction and carbon neutrality initiatives; enforce a zero‑accident culture.
* Support customer audits and visits, collaborate with suppliers and OEMs on equipment upgrades, modifications and issue resolution; partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless support for production operations.
Qualifications
* Degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing) or equivalent significant experience; HNC/HND minimum in relevant discipline; NEBOSH or equivalent safety qualification desirable.
* Proven track record in automotive/manufacturing engineering and maintenance leadership.
* Strong background in both mechanical and electrical disciplines.
* Experience in CAPEX project delivery, TPM implementation and lean manufacturing.
* Knowledge of IATF16949, VDA 6.3, ISO14001, ISO18001, ISO45001, ISO50001 and customer‑specific requirements (e.g., JLR, Ford, BMW).
* Strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach, strong leadership and effective communication across all levels.
* Excellent problem‑solving, analysis and decision‑making; outstanding organisational and time‑management skills to handle multiple priorities.
* Solid financial acumen for budget and ROI analysis; IT literacy with experience in CMMS and manufacturing systems (MES/DMP).
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
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