At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering activities in sheet metal manufacturing and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company focused on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, matched pension, life assurance, and sharesave scheme.
- Other info: Join a culture that prioritises safety and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in manufacturing, knowledge of CNC processes, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Lead Sheet Metal Engineering is responsible for the leadership, development and execution of all engineering activities within the Sheet Metal Manufacturing operations. The role translates engineering strategy into operational delivery, ensuring safe, efficient and high‑performing manufacturing processes, equipment and facilities. The position provides technical leadership across sheet metal fabrication, CNC operations, automation, tooling, layout optimisation, quality improvement and continuous improvement activities while supporting operational performance, OEE and future growth. A key role in supporting the Department Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the sheet metal department, ensuring smooth operations, continuous improvement, and high‑quality output.
Safety & Compliance
- Lead a Safety First culture across all engineering activities.
- Ensure compliance with HSE, statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and maintain risk assessments, SSOW, SOPs and engineering standards.
- Support PUWER, manual handling and workplace safety improvements.
Engineering Operations Delivery
- Own engineering support for sheet metal production operations.
- Ensure equipment reliability, uptime and responsiveness to breakdowns.
- Prioritise engineering workload aligned to production requirements.
- Lead engineering reviews and escalation processes.
Sheet Metal Process Engineering
- Provide technical leadership across laser cutting, punching, bending, fabrication and assembly processes.
- Collaborate with production teams to ensure manufacturability and process capability.
- Resolve fit, form and function issues through structured problem solving.
- Drive standardisation of processes, tooling and work instructions.
- Support BOM accuracy and manufacturing data integrity.
Machinery, Automation & Layout Planning
- Evaluate machinery performance and identify upgrade opportunities.
- Lead business cases, selection and implementation of new equipment.
- Support automation, PLC‑controlled systems and manufacturing technologies.
- Plan and implement factory layout improvements to enhance flow, safety and productivity.
- Manage suppliers and contractors during installation and commissioning.
OEE Support & Performance Improvement
- Support deployment and governance of OEE measurement.
- Analyse downtime, performance losses and quality losses.
- Drive engineering‑led improvements to increase availability and throughput.
- Reduce waste, micro‑stoppages and process variation using Lean and CI tools.
- Provide data‑driven insights using Power BI and operational metrics.
GBS - Continuous Improvement & Lean
- Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement activities.
- Embed Lean Manufacturing and standard work principles.
- Deliver cost reduction, productivity and quality improvement projects.
Project & Change Implementation
- Lead engineering projects from concept to implementation.
- Support NPI, operational readiness and process validation.
- Ensure robust commissioning, handover and documentation.
Quality & Standards
- Work closely with Quality to ensure robust engineering standards and processes.
- Support development and adherence to Quality Management Systems.
- Ensure engineering changes are controlled, documented, and validated.
Qualifications
- Strong engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Extensive knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and CNC manufacturing processes.
- Experience in OEE, TPM and operational performance improvement.
- Strong project management and capital investment experience.
- Proficiency in CAD systems (Inventor, AutoCAD or equivalent).
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
- Experience using Power BI and manufacturing performance data.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday
- Pension contribution matched up to 8%
- Life Assurance 3x base salary
- Genuit sharesave scheme
Sheet Metal Lead Engineer in Caerphilly employer: ADEY Limited
As a Lead Sheet Metal Engineer, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment that prioritises safety and continuous improvement. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture where your expertise in sheet metal fabrication and CNC processes will be valued, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, matched pension contributions, and a sharesave scheme, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sheet Metal Lead Engineer in Caerphilly
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like ADEY Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Sheet Metal Lead Engineer in Caerphilly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to ADEY Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at ADEY Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with ADEY Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like ADEY Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
