At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in manufacturing engineering to create safer, cleaner products.
- Company: Join Crowcon, a leader in life-saving gas detection technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace culture encouraging all to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and health while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in manufacturing engineering with leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd. is looking to recruit to the Operations department a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to contribute to delivering company growth goals. This is a local role reporting to the Head of Manufacturing.
About Us: We have been designing and manufacturing life-saving products for 50 years, protecting people from toxic and flammable gases. Crowcon’s vision is: a world where gas hazards never cost a life. Crowcon’s values are: Do the right thing, Own the outcome, Work as one.
What will you be doing?
- As a member of the Operations Team, the Manufacturing Engineering Manager is accountable for the leadership, development and performance of the Manufacturing Engineering function, defining and executing the manufacturing technology roadmap, ensuring robust industrialisation of new products, optimising production processes, improving operational performance and maintaining reliable manufacturing equipment to support business growth, quality, delivery and cost objectives.
You will:
- Lead and manage the Manufacturing Engineering function, ensuring effective deployment of resources to support Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth objectives.
- Develop and execute the Manufacturing Engineering strategy and roadmap aligned to operational and business objectives.
- Own the industrialisation process for new products, ensuring manufacturing readiness, tooling, fixtures, test capability, documentation and capacity requirements are established prior to launch.
- Act as the site technical authority for manufacturing processes, production equipment and industrialisation activities.
- Oversee the design, development and implementation of manufacturing processes, procedures, systems and equipment.
- Identify, evaluate and implement automation, digitisation and Industry 4.0 solutions.
- Lead programme management of NPI, CAPEX, automation and continuous improvement projects.
- Support Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities.
- Drive manufacturing cost reduction, waste elimination and productivity improvement initiatives.
- Assess manufacturing capacity and resource requirements to support future growth.
- Own the TPM programme and maintenance strategy for shopfloor production equipment and manufacturing assets.
- Ensure preventative maintenance plans, spares strategies, uptime targets and equipment reliability metrics are effective.
- Ensure production test equipment, fixtures and methods are developed, maintained and continuously improved to support product quality and throughput.
- Define and maintain manufacturing engineering standards, methods and best practices.
- Facilitate root cause investigations and structured problem solving using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC and CAPA.
- Lead and facilitate the site Continuous Improvement programme including training, coaching and project delivery.
- Manage CAPEX budgets and departmental expenditure, including preparation of business cases.
- Develop and review KPIs, ensuring appropriate countermeasures are implemented.
- Utilise manufacturing data and analytics to identify opportunities and drive sustainable improvements.
- Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems, regulatory standards and health & safety requirements.
- Develop departmental capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning and performance management.
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Management and R&D teams.
Your skills & experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent.
- 7+ years experience in manufacturing engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience leading Manufacturing Engineering, NPI Industrialisation and Continuous Improvement activities.
- Strong project and programme management skills.
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Experience delivering automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Experience managing TPM and production equipment maintenance strategies.
- Experience working within ISO9001 or equivalent quality management systems.
- Strong understanding of DFM, DFA, process validation and product industrialisation.
- Proficiency in ERP, MES, CAD, Minitab, Power BI or similar manufacturing systems.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing CAPEX and departmental budgets.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Formal project management qualification (PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent) desirable.
About you:
- You inspire with your passion and values.
- You are collaborative and supportive.
- You challenge the status quo and drive improvement.
- You are data-driven and action-oriented.
- You develop people and build high-performing teams.
- You focus on sustainable business performance and operational excellence.
Location & Remuneration:
The company head office is based just south of Oxford in Didcot. This is a site-based role, requiring an on-site presence to support manufacturing operations. There is an attractive salary plus exceptional benefits.
Company benefits:
- Generous company pension (up to 10.5% matched on a sliding scale).
- Company shares.
- Health cashplan (Medicash).
- Eyecare scheme (with Specsavers).
- Corporate life insurance.
- 25 days holiday.
- Your birthday off (after 1 year of service).
- 3 days holiday purchase.
- 14 weeks paid maternity, paternity, adoption leave.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Subsidised annual bus pass.
- Annual train ticket payment scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Free parking and subsidised EV charging points.
- Salary sacrifice car leasing.
Don’t have every single listed skill/experience? Studies have shown that women and people from diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Crowcon we are actively building and encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, so if you’re excited about this role as the next step of your career, but you don’t feel confident you have enough past experience to perfectly align with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or another role we may have.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Abingdon employer: Halma
Halma in Havant is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a B2B Product Manager to thrive. With benefits like flexible working hours, a rewarding bonus scheme, and a supportive pension plan, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance safety and efficiency across industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Abingdon
✨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 Halma, 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 Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Abingdon
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 Halma 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 Halma
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Halma, 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 Halma 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.
