At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in manufacturing and develop efficient processes for new products.
- Company: Specialist low-volume manufacturing business with a focus on bespoke solutions.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, four-day working week, and direct involvement with senior management.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with exciting challenges and real impact.
- Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location: Gateshead
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Working pattern: Permanent, four-day working week
We are recruiting a Manufacturing & Industrial Engineer for a specialist low-volume manufacturing business. This is not a standard continuous improvement role supporting one repetitive manufacturing line. The position is focused on new product introduction, industrialisation and the development of controlled, repeatable manufacturing processes within a bespoke, batch and high-variation environment.
You will work closely with Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing to take new and modified products from initial design through to a fully defined and commercially viable process.
The Role
- Leading new product introduction and industrialisation projects.
- Mapping products through each stage of manufacture.
- Developing repeatable manufacturing routes and process controls.
- Producing clear work instructions and standard operating procedures.
- Defining tooling, jigs, fixtures and manufacturing requirements.
- Using CAD/CAM systems to support manufacturing readiness.
- Working with engineering teams to translate design requirements into practical manufacturing processes.
- Measuring manufacturing time, cost, scrap, waste, rework and yield.
- Identifying opportunities to reduce cost and improve profitability.
- Improving lead times, productivity and Right First Time performance.
- Supporting process validation, first-off manufacture and repeat manufacture.
- Establishing appropriate checks, measures and traceability requirements.
- Ensuring processes meet customer, quality and compliance standards.
- Applying Lean Six Sigma tools to structured problem solving and improvement.
- Engaging manufacturing employees in process development and change.
- Supporting multi-skilling and more flexible manufacturing methods where appropriate.
- Presenting data-backed recommendations to senior management.
Essential Requirements
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering, or an HNC in a relevant engineering discipline supported by substantial relevant experience.
- Demonstrable experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, NPI or industrialisation.
- Experience within low-volume, batch, bespoke or high-variation manufacturing.
- CAD/CAM experience.
- Experience taking new or modified products from design through to manufacture.
- Demonstrable experience developing repeatable manufacturing processes.
- Experience producing work instructions, process maps and manufacturing documentation.
- Experience defining or improving tooling, jigs and fixtures.
- A strong understanding of scrap, waste, rework, yield and cost reduction.
- Experience using manufacturing data to deliver measurable improvements.
- Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills.
- Experience working in a compliance-led manufacturing environment.
- The ability to demonstrate tangible project results, including cost savings or operational improvements.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- A practical, shop-floor-focused approach.
Desirable Experience
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
- Knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP or PPAP.
- Experience supporting audit, traceability or regulated manufacturing requirements.
- Experience improving project profitability or manufacturing cost visibility.
- Experience within automotive, defence, aerospace, specialist vehicles, heavy engineering or another complex manufacturing sector.
- Experience introducing multi-skilling or flexible manufacturing methods.
The Person
You will need to be commercially aware, engaging and confident working with both the workforce and senior management. The successful person will be able to challenge existing processes constructively, generate practical ideas and support recommendations with clear data. You should be comfortable working in a developing environment where not every process is already mapped or measured, and where you will have the opportunity to introduce structure and influence how products are manufactured.
Measures of Success
- Improved industrialisation of new products.
- More repeatable and clearly documented manufacturing processes.
- Reduced scrap, waste, rework and manufacturing cost.
- Improved visibility of manufacturing time and profitability.
- Improved lead-time accuracy.
- Stronger compliance and traceability.
- Effective tooling, fixtures and work instructions.
- Improved workforce engagement and operational flexibility.
- Delivery of measurable and sustained financial improvements.
What Is on Offer
- Negotiable salary, depending on experience.
- Four-day working week.
- Varied and technically challenging projects.
- Direct involvement with senior management.
- Significant scope to shape manufacturing processes.
- A role combining NPI, industrialisation and operational improvement.
Manufacturing & Industrial Engineer in Gateshead employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing & Industrial Engineer in Gateshead
✨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 & Industrial Engineer in Gateshead
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.
