At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: A leading manufacturing business focused on transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with a focus on data-driven solutions.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming manufacturing capabilities and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in production engineering, lean manufacturing, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
A leading Manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Production Engineering & Test Manager to lead its Production Engineering and Test function through an important period of manufacturing transformation.
The key focus of the role is Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and structured problem solving. The business is looking to strengthen manufacturing capability, improve yield and transition from an NPI-focused environment towards a more repeatable, scalable and efficient production operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Production Engineering and Test teams, driving measurable improvements in yield, quality, productivity, cost and delivery.
- Lead structured problem solving using tools such as Fishbone/Ishikawa, Pareto analysis, 5-Why, 8D, FMEA and action plans.
- Analyse production and test data to identify recurring defects, process variation and improvement opportunities.
- Drive Lean initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work and Value Stream Mapping.
- Develop robust, repeatable manufacturing processes and clear work instructions.
- Support the transition of products from NPI into stable, repeatable volume production.
- Reduce waste, process variation, recurring failures and production disruption.
- Develop engineering KPIs and use data to drive continuous improvement.
- Lead and develop Production and Test Engineers.
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain and Programme teams.
- Support automation, digitalisation and data-driven manufacturing improvements.
About the Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong experience in Production/Manufacturing Engineering and Continuous Improvement.
- Demonstrable success improving manufacturing yield and process performance.
- Strong practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and structured root-cause analysis.
- Experience using production data, fault codes and Pareto analysis to identify and prioritise problems.
- Experience developing standardised processes, work instructions and repeatable manufacturing methods.
- Proven engineering team leadership experience.
- A hands-on, analytical and structured approach to problem solving.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience within electronics, PCBA, aerospace or other high-reliability manufacturing environments would be advantageous, as would knowledge of AS9100.
- RF expertise is not essential, and electronics knowledge is desirable rather than a requirement.
The strongest candidates will be those with a proven track record in Lean, Continuous Improvement and manufacturing yield improvement.
This is a key role for an engineering leader who can help transform manufacturing capability, establish robust production processes and embed a culture of data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement.
Production Engineering and Test Manager in Norwich employer: Gerrell & Hard
As a leading player in the manufacturing sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Located in Norfolk, we offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, making us an ideal employer for those seeking a meaningful career in test engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineering and Test Manager in Norwich
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Gerrell & Hard, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineering and Test Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Gerrell & Hard specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Gerrell & Hard, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Gerrell & Hard value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
