At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in transforming manufacturing processes and driving engineering excellence.
- Company: Join GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible hours, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, inclusive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of aviation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Manufacturing Engineering and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We are proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do.
At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for both civil and military aircraft. We have an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager leading our change management team.
The role is responsible for leading a multi-disciplined project engineering team that manages internal and external changes across the business, leading the manufacturing engineering introduction of new PLM and ERP systems. The successful applicant will manage a team of around 15 engineers deploying engineering resources to Production & Development Programs and ensure compliance of these deployed teams to the established functional processes. You will deliver robust, capable manufacturing process technology as it applies to both materials, tooling, part fabrication and assembly.
How You'll Contribute
- Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring full compliance with GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
- Lead and embed robust, compliant manufacturing engineering processes, aligned to internal, customer and regulatory requirements.
- Own and deliver end-to-end change management (customer-driven and internal), ensuring effective governance, clear communication and controlled execution.
- Drive excellence in engineering change and configuration control, ensuring full visibility of impacts across cost, quality and delivery.
- Lead engineering teams to deliver measurable, performance-driven results, aligned with functional priorities and business objectives.
- Act as a key interface with customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring manufacturing solutions are aligned to requirements and successfully integrated into operations.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships to enable seamless delivery of change across engineering, operations, quality and supply chain.
- Lead the development and deployment of PLM capabilities, strengthening data integrity, configuration control and effective use of the digital thread.
- Own engineering readiness for ERP transformation, ensuring alignment of data, processes and ways of working to support successful implementation.
- Define and deliver the manufacturing engineering capability strategy, including workforce planning, skills development and training.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
- Drive sustained improvements in manufacturing performance through Lean and digital initiatives, enhancing productivity, quality and cost.
What You'll Bring
- Strong background in Manufacturing Engineering, supported by a relevant engineering degree (Industrial, Aerospace, Mechanical or equivalent).
- Proven experience leading engineering teams across both operational delivery and transformation programmes.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering complex change, including both customer-driven and internal improvements.
- Experience managing industrialisation (NPI) and in-service production change, with a strong understanding of manufacturing lifecycle and configuration control.
- Experience with PLM systems and engineering data management, including driving adoption and improving process integration.
- Experience supporting or preparing for ERP transformation, including alignment of engineering and operational master data.
- Strong stakeholder management capability, with the ability to influence, engage and build trust across functions and at senior levels.
- Working knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong experience with quality management systems (e.g. AS9100, ISO9001).
Desirable
- Experience in digital transformation within manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of APQP / AS9145 or equivalent structured industrialisation processes.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner (or equivalent project management qualification).
- CM2 (or equivalent configuration management methodology).
- Strong experience with PLM platforms (e.g. PTC Windchill).
- Strong experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP).
What We'll Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Up to 15% Bonus.
- Access to a salary sacrifice EV scheme giving tax and national insurance savings.
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we will match your contributions up to 8% on a 1:1.5 basis (Employer max contribution 12% - totalling up to 20% contribution).
- Life Assurance 8 x salary.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12 noon on a Friday.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle To Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, we have created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Bristol employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Bristol
✨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 All The Top Bananas, 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 Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Bristol
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 All The Top Bananas 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 All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with All The Top Bananas, 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 All The Top Bananas 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.
