Engineering Manager - Vehicle Development
Salary: Competitive + benefits
Location: Thatcham, UK - Full Time| On-site
About the Role
We are seeking a hands‑on Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers in designing and developing high‑quality vehicle conversions. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for driving product innovation, ensuring engineering excellence, and supporting production efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
* New Product Design & Development
* Lead and manage all aspects of the engineering department.
* Maintain and update product design drawings, parts, sub‑assemblies, and systems.
* Support production during prototyping to optimise product design.
* Ensure accurate timing, cost, and technical information is shared with Sales, Production, Stores, Accounts, and Purchasing.
* Liaise with suppliers, providing technical guidance and quality standards.
* Maintain the database of configurations, BOMs, and part numbers.
* Coordinate Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) and ensure compliance with legislation.
* Work with Production to streamline designs, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
In addition you will be involved in:
* Leading vehicle development and production improvement projects.
* Monitoring and reporting on performance, KPIs, and specific engineering initiatives.
* Collaborating with Product Management to define standard builds, options, and training.
* Ensuring compliance with ISO and COP standards across production activities.
* Supporting Customer Care to investigate and resolve technical after‑sales issues.
* Proposing design changes based on warranty feedback.
* Collaborating with QA on goods‑in checks and resolve non‑conforming parts.
Skills & Competencies
If you have hands‑on experience in vehicle conversions, WAVs, or similar vehicle development that is a bonus BUT NOT essential.
* Strong engineering background with production knowledge.
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
* Strategic thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills.
* High energy, proactive, and committed to continuous development.
* Process instruction creation, document control, BOM & MRP.
* Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, ISO9001, Lean Manufacturing, and VSM.
* Knowledge of HSE and COSHH regulations.
* Experience with NPI coordination and CAD software.
* Excellent IT literacy and CAD expertise.
This will be a critical position for the Engineering Manager taking ownership of all aspects of the engineering department and help grow the business.
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