Manufacturing Engineering Manager — Operations & NPI Leadership in Eastbourne

As part of the Manufacturing Engineering Operations team, you will develop and lead a cost‑effective, innovative manufacturing strategy for printed circuit assembly and final assembly, driving seamless introduction of new products into Operations and ensuring quality, delivery performance, safety and cost targets are met.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Role model fair, proactive and consistent people management, addressing absence, conduct and capability issues professionally in line with policy.
• Communicate clearly and frequently to ensure strong information flow, alignment and shared ownership across teams and departments.
• Drive engagement through recognition, meaningful feedback, open dialogue and involvement in improvement activities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, learning and continuous improvement where individuals feel empowered to share ideas, solve problems and build capability.
• Create a supportive, high‑performance environment that encourages constructive feedback, team‑led problem solving and cross‑functional cooperation.
• Hold individuals accountable for behaviours and performance while providing coaching and support to enable their success.

Operational Delivery & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain deep expertise in electronics manufacturing best practices to keep the organisation aligned with leading‑edge technologies for PCAs and electrical/electronic assemblies.
• Set, monitor and achieve ambitious OEE targets, ensuring robust engineering support is provided to all manufacturing zones to maximise productivity, quality and equipment uptime.
• Collaborate closely with NPI teams to allocate Manufacturing Engineering resources effectively and ensure manufacturability standards are consistently applied across all product groups.
• Establish and enforce standardised NPI processes including routing timelines, DFMEA, PFMEA and build standards (e.g. AOI, pick‑to‑light, engraving) for uniformity, compliance and readiness for volume production.
• Ensure active and consistent Manufacturing Engineering participation in Manufacturing Reviews (MR), Technical Reviews (TR) and the PCP process to drive site‑wide standards for new product introduction and design‑for‑manufacture excellence.
• Optimise shop‑floor layout and space utilisation proactively to support current operations, future growth and new product introduction.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Lead and reinforce the SHE programme, promoting visible safety leadership and reducing physical and behavioural risks.
• Promote a culture where safety, quality and process discipline are embedded in all daily activities.

Your Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Create a supportive, high‑performance environment that encourages constructive feedback, team‑led problem solving and cross‑functional cooperation.
• Drive the continued development and deployment of the Vacuum Technique Production System (VTPS) in partnership with the BPI Lead, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the site.
• Strengthen and evolve the Manufacturing Engineering organisation, providing decisive leadership in recruitment, capability development, performance management and organisational design to build a high‑performing, future‑ready team.
• Manage Cost‑Centre budgets and headcount strategically, ensuring accurate forecasting, disciplined cost control and transparent reporting against financial and operational targets.
• Support the Operations Manager in delivering the Eastbourne site’s OGSM, contributing to long‑term site development, operational strategy and cross‑functional alignment.
• Collaborate closely with NPI teams to allocate Manufacturing Engineering resources effectively, ensuring manufacturability standards are consistently applied across all product groups.
• Ensure full compliance with safety procedures, statutory requirements, Risk Control Elements and ISO 45001:2018 standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Skillset

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of implementing lean manufacturing.
• Significant experience in developing or supporting electronics manufacturing processes.
• Deep understanding of surface‑mount and through‑hole assembly processes, methods and equipment.
• Deep understanding of electrical and electronic components and their packaging.
• Significant experience in a technical and people‑management role.
• Strong ability to coach others.
• Robust understanding of PFMEA and DFMEA.
• Excellent communicator with fluency in spoken and written English.
• Thorough understanding of MRP systems – ideally SAP.

Competent

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Strong leadership skills.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent.
• Experience in MES systems.
• Lean Six Sigma belt accreditation.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer compensation that reflects the skills, experience and responsibilities of the role. Pay also depends on the country where the role is based, as compensation practices vary across our markets. During the recruitment process, we share clear information about the pay and benefits for your location, so you know what to expect before moving forward.

Location & Working Hours

This role requires you to work on‑site at our office in Eastbourne, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration.