Production Engineering Manager in Worthing

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production Engineering Manager to join a well-established and highly innovative manufacturing business based in Worthing. This position will lead a multi-disciplinary Production Engineering function, overseeing production, process and maintenance engineering activities across a busy manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensuring engineering processes, equipment and facilities operate efficiently and safely. This role would suit a strong people-focused engineering leader with experience managing technical teams within a manufacturing or production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-disciplinary Production Engineering team, including production, process and maintenance engineers.
• Support manufacturing and R&D teams through the delivery of engineering and process improvement initiatives.
• Oversee New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensure successful transition into production.
• Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes, equipment and production capability.
• Manage risk assessments, engineering compliance and process documentation in line with ISO 9001 standards.
• Identify equipment upgrades, maintenance requirements and facility improvements to support operational performance.
• Manage annual CAPEX planning relating to production equipment, machinery and plant improvements.
• Ensure all production engineering processes and controls support manufacturing output and quality objectives.
• Oversee maintenance planning and critical shutdown activities, including contractor and supplier coordination.
• Manage recruitment, training, development and performance management activities within the engineering team.
• Ensure engineering teams maintain compliance with all health & safety procedures and site standards.
• Support the ongoing development of engineering capability and succession planning within the department.
• Provide technical leadership and positively influence stakeholders across multiple departments.

Requirements:

• HNC/HND or Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading and developing technical or engineering teams.
• Strong people management and performance management capability.
• Experience supporting recruitment, training and talent development activities.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Confident presenting and communicating with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong understanding of engineering processes and manufacturing operations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Ability to work in a structured and methodical manner within a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Experience:

• ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
• SAP system experience.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge.
• Six Sigma methodology experience.

Benefits:

• Up to 15% annual performance bonus.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme with up to 5% matched contributions.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life assurance scheme (4x salary).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee discount scheme across company brands.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Long-term career progression within a growing manufacturing environment.