Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Job Title: Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Samlesbury and/or Warton

Salary: Circa £90,000 base salary with bonus, car allowance and full BAE Systems benefits package

The Air Sector:

BAE Systems Air Sector is a powerhouse of innovation and excellence in the aerospace industry. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to safety, the Air Sector plays a pivotal role in delivering advanced aerospace and defence solutions. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, BAE Systems is at the forefront of developing next-generation aircraft, systems and technology that enhance operational capabilities while minimizing environmental impact.

The Air Sector is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with governments and industries worldwide, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of modern defence and security. Their highly skilled workforce is driven by a culture of collaboration, creativity and innovation, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace engineering.

From the design and production of combat aircraft to innovative unmanned systems, BAE Systems Air Sector exemplifies a commitment to quality and performance. Their achievements not only strengthen national security but also contribute to global stability. With an unwavering focus on technological advancement and customer satisfaction, BAE Systems Air Sector is shaping the future of aerospace and defence and setting new standards in the industry.

Overview of the role:

Reporting to the Manufacturing Capability Director, you will inherit a direct operational team of c70 heads plus wider functional governance accountability for Air Manufacturing Engineering. You will enjoy complete strategic accountability over the design and delivery of long-term technology advancement strategies, where you will set and deliver “Factory of the Future” plans, whilst rapidly implementing low cost automation to drive efficiencies on delivery products.

A key member of the Air Operations Manufacturing team, you will drive operational excellence and strategic transformation across all Air sector lines of business by leading and shaping a high-performing Manufacturing Engineering division.

Making a real difference to the company’s future, you will be working at the cutting edge of manufacturing technology as the Head of Manufacturing Engineering, with an emphasis on automation, digitalization, and continuous improvement.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Influencing engineering design to ensure robust, effective and efficient manufacturing processes aligned to manufacturing production capabilities, ensuring product designs can be effectively and efficiently manufactured.
2. Overseeing that manufacturing capability and technology meet required design specifications, utilising effective manufacturing systems and toolsets.
3. Leading efforts to meet programme cost, schedule, and quality commitments through effective manufacturing engineering lead times deliverables.
4. Maintaining manufacturing engineering methods and controls that align with the qualifications and experience of the workforce.
5. Supporting the build line and drive continuous improvements in the manufacturing process.
6. Leading and managing the Manufacturing Engineering function, ensuring engineers qualify designs for production readiness, with a focus on automation and technology.
7. Successfully deliver on programmes and delivery or engineering/manufacturing functional roles in major programmes.
8. Driving long term technology advancement via Factory of the Future whilst rapidly implementing low-cost automation to drive efficiencies on delivery products.
9. Act strategically across functions to influence business outcomes directly and indirectly to achieve strategic goals.
10. Acting as an effective decision-maker, operating with pace and a strong delivery, inspection ready and everyday matters mindset.

Your skills and experiences:

1. NC, HNC, or degree qualified in an appropriate technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
2. Inspiring leader focused on workforce development, engagement, safety, and wellbeing.
3. Proven experience in operational leadership, managing multiple teams in a unionised environment.
4. Expert in manufacturing investigations and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), with strong strategic action management skills.
5. Strong knowledge of industry-standard manufacturing tools, techniques, and high-rate production environments, focusing on process automation and zero defects.
6. An understanding of what “good looks like” with regard to manufacturing tools, processes, technology and systems.
7. Ability to drive transformations, continuous improvement and cultural change in manufacturing, particularly in Automotive or Aircraft Design & Manufacturing sectors.
8. Effective risk management and KPI utilisation to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
9. Strong customer focus with a track record of enhancing customer satisfaction and resolving issues effectively.

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 27th February 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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