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- Tasks: Lead end-to-end MES implementations and guide clients through the process.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovative manufacturing solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in manufacturing by leading cutting-edge MES projects.
- Qualifications: Significant MES implementation experience and strong technical foundation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role sits at the senior end of MES delivery. We’re looking for an experienced MES Implementation Lead who can take ownership of end‑to‑end MES implementations across manufacturing environments, from early discovery through to go‑live and post‑implementation support.
Unlike a pure engineering role, this position carries delivery leadership and accountability. You will still be technically hands‑on, but your primary value comes from shaping implementations, guiding customers, and leading successful outcomes rather than simply configuring systems. You will act as the senior point of contact for MES delivery on assigned projects, bridging manufacturing operations, control systems, cloud platforms, and internal product teams.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading MES implementations: Own the delivery of MES implementations from initial requirements through to deployment and stabilisation. Lead discovery workshops to understand manufacturing processes, production lines, constraints, and improvement opportunities. Translate operational and business needs into clear MES designs, configurations, and delivery plans.
- Technical ownership: Oversee and contribute to MES system configuration, integration, and validation. Guide the integration of MES platforms with shop‑floor systems (PLC, SCADA, IoT/edge devices) and enterprise systems (ERP, quality, WMS/WCS). Ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with real‑world manufacturing operations.
- Client leadership: Act as the senior, trusted technical lead for clients during delivery. Provide clear direction, manage expectations, and handle complex technical or operational challenges. Deliver and oversee training for key stakeholders and end users, ensuring strong adoption.
- Internal leadership: Act as a technical escalation point for other implementation engineers. Contribute to improving delivery standards, implementation frameworks, and documentation. Work closely with product and development teams to influence platform enhancements based on delivery experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience: Significant experience delivering MES or manufacturing IT solutions in live production environments. A background that combines manufacturing operations understanding with technical implementation capability. Proven experience leading or owning MES implementations rather than contributing as a junior team member.
- Technical foundation: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (food, beverage, or process manufacturing experience is highly relevant). Hands‑on experience with: MES / MOM platforms, Industrial integration (PLC, SCADA, OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus), Manufacturing data flows between shop floor and cloud systems, Microsoft Azure environments, SQL and manufacturing data analysis / visualisation (e.g. Power BI). Comfortable validating, testing, and troubleshooting complex systems.
- Ways of working: Confident operating independently on client sites and leading delivery discussions. Able to communicate clearly with operators, engineers, IT teams, and senior stakeholders. Structured, accountable, and comfortable making decisions in ambiguous environments.
Who this role is for (and who it isn’t):
This role is for you if:
- You have already delivered MES implementations and want greater ownership and influence.
- You enjoy being hands‑on technically while also leading delivery and client relationships.
- You are comfortable being accountable for outcomes, not just tasks.
This role is not for you if:
- You are looking for a purely configuration‑focused or junior engineering position.
- You prefer limited client interaction or narrowly defined technical tasks.
- You have not yet worked in live manufacturing environments.
Practical details:
- Location: Hybrid – Slough office, remote working, and client sites
- Travel: Regular UK travel; some international travel may be required
- Reporting to: Delivery / Project Leadership
- Right to work: UK
Lead MES Implementation Engineer in Reading employer: Exalto Consulting
Contact Detail:
Exalto Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead MES Implementation Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common MES-related questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects where you led MES implementations. We want to hear about your successes and how you tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead MES Implementation Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your significant experience in delivering MES or manufacturing IT solutions. We want to see how you've taken ownership of projects and led implementations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Lead MES Implementation Engineer role. Use the job description as a guide to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary to demonstrate your technical expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exalto Consulting
✨Know Your MES Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Manufacturing Execution Systems. Brush up on your knowledge of MES platforms, integration techniques, and data flows. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA, and cloud environments like Microsoft Azure will show that you’re not just familiar but truly knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading implementations, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully guided teams and clients through complex projects. Highlight your ability to manage expectations and resolve challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability as a trusted technical lead.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the company’s operations. Whether it’s food, beverage, or process manufacturing, being able to speak the language of the industry will help you connect with interviewers and show that you can bridge the gap between technical and operational needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of situations where you had to troubleshoot complex systems or lead a team through a challenging implementation. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.