At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and manufacturing teams to drive innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a respected engineering organisation in Bedford, undergoing exciting transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £75,000 - £80,000 plus excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with potential for impactful career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with significant investment and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing required.
Fortress Recruit are now looking to recruit a Head of Design & Manufacturing on behalf of a highly respected engineering and research organisation based in Bedford. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, this is a rare opportunity to join a specialist engineering organisation undergoing significant investment, transformation and growth. The successful candidate will lead the Design, Manufacturing Engineering and Production functions, driving operational performance, capability development and continuous improvement across the business. This role will play a key part in shaping the future of the organisation's manufacturing capability through the development of people, processes, technology and infrastructure.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across design, manufacturing engineering, inspection and production.
- Develop and deliver the Design & Manufacturing strategy aligned to business growth objectives.
- Drive transformational change across people, processes, facilities and technology.
- Ensure engineering design intent is translated effectively into manufacturing capability.
- Champion continuous improvement, operational excellence and the adoption of new technologies.
- Manage budgets, resources, capacity planning and investment programmes.
- Lead workforce development, succession planning and employee engagement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
To be considered for this role, you'll have:
- Senior leadership experience within aerospace, defence or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Proven success leading manufacturing, engineering or production teams.
- Experience delivering complex engineering programmes to cost, quality and schedule requirements.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering processes, governance and quality standards.
- Demonstrable experience leading change, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management and people leadership skills.
- Degree qualified in Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a unique engineering organisation at an exciting stage of its growth journey. Significant investment is being made across facilities, equipment, infrastructure and people, providing the successful candidate with the platform to make a lasting impact on the future direction of the business. This is a full-time, permanent role based onsite in Bedford. On offer is a salary of £75,000 - £80,000 plus an excellent benefits package. Due to the nature of this role, this is a UKEO position requiring eligibility to obtain SC clearance (5 years' UK residency without requirement for sponsorship or visa).
To find out more and see a full job description, please click apply to send Becki a copy of your updated CV for review.
Head of Design and Manufacturing in Bedford employer: Fortress Recruit Limited
Join a highly respected engineering and research organisation in Bedford as the Head of Design and Manufacturing, where you will be at the forefront of transformation and growth. With significant investment in facilities and technology, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive operational excellence while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The company prioritises employee development and engagement, ensuring that you have the resources and support to make a meaningful impact on the future of manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design and Manufacturing in Bedford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Design and Manufacturing role you’re after at Fortress Recruit Limited.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Fortress Recruit Limited a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Fortress Recruit Limited.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Design and Manufacturing at Fortress Recruit Limited, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design and Manufacturing in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Design and Manufacturing, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Fortress Recruit Limited a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Fortress Recruit Limited specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Recruit Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Fortress Recruit Limited, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Fortress Recruit Limited want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
