Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development projects in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
- Company: Join a leading consultancy in the manufacturing sector with a focus on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible engagement, and opportunity to work with senior leadership.
- Other info: Short-term engagement with potential for high visibility and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on product development processes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Director-level experience in consultancy and expertise in NPD/NPI optimisation required.
A client in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector is seeking a Director-level Consultant to join the team for a short-term engagement. You will lead the delivery of a New Product Development (NPD) acceleration programme for a complex, low-volume platform manufacturer, working closely with senior leadership and engineering teams. Reporting into the executive leadership team, the objective is to improve product development performance, governance, and cross-functional integration.
Responsibilities
- Advise senior leadership on optimising NPD and NPI processes for complex, low-volume manufacturing programmes
- Design and implement Stage-Gate frameworks and Chief Engineer governance models
- Lead modular architecture and platform strategy initiatives within engineering functions
- Apply systems engineering methodologies (QFD, MFD, DSM) to improve cross-functional integration
- Deliver platform rationalisation across portfolios of multiple product variants
- Support PLM and digital thread enhancements
- Translate capability gaps into prioritised, costed investment roadmaps
- Lead end-to-end transformation programmes and support sustained adoption
Requirements
- Proven Director-level experience within a top-tier consultancy
- Strong track record in NPD/NPI optimisation in complex, low-volume manufacturing environments
- Deep expertise in product development governance (Stage-Gate, Chief Engineer models)
- Experience across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, marine, or defence
- Demonstrated capability in modular architecture, platform strategy, and engineering transformation
- Practical experience with systems engineering methodologies and PLM technologies
- Strong senior stakeholder engagement and programme leadership skills
Details
- Start date: May 15 2026
- Duration: 4–6 weeks
- Day rate: LTD- Outside IR35
- Location: Client site visits and events
Director (Consultant) – Manufacturing and Engineering employer: Freshminds
Contact Detail:
Freshminds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director (Consultant) – Manufacturing and Engineering
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the manufacturing and engineering sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in NPD/NPI optimisation and governance models. Share specific examples of how you've led transformation programmes in complex environments. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so take the time to understand their specific challenges and needs. When you’re discussing your fit for the role, align your experience with their objectives, especially around product development performance and cross-functional integration. We love seeing candidates who do their homework!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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’re always on the lookout for top talent like you to help drive innovation in the manufacturing and engineering space.
We think you need these skills to ace Director (Consultant) – Manufacturing and Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in NPD and NPI optimisation. We want to see how your background aligns with the complex, low-volume manufacturing environments mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this Director-level role. Share specific examples of your past successes in product development governance and how you've led transformation programmes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves advising senior leadership, make sure to emphasise your experience in stakeholder engagement and programme leadership. We love to see how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshminds
✨Know Your NPD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've optimised these processes in complex, low-volume manufacturing environments.
✨Master the Stage-Gate Framework
Since the role involves designing and implementing Stage-Gate frameworks, it’s crucial to understand this model thoroughly. Prepare to explain how you've successfully applied it in previous roles and how it can benefit the client’s product development performance.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This position requires strong senior stakeholder engagement. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with executive leadership or cross-functional teams. Be ready to share how you navigated challenges and built relationships to drive project success.
✨Demonstrate Systems Engineering Expertise
Familiarise yourself with systems engineering methodologies like QFD, MFD, and DSM. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these methodologies to enhance cross-functional integration and improve product development governance in your previous roles.