Production Engineering Manager in Worthing

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

Do you want to work for some of the world’s leading audio brands? Become a part of the HARMAN team and get to work for our Sound United Business Unit. By joining HARMAN, you'll dive headfirst into the exciting world of headphones, portable speakers, party boxes and other audio technologies, and contribute to the success of Harman Lifestyle EMEA business. The consumer audio industry is fast paced, fun and dynamic and we’re looking for someone who is proactive, loves to work with a lot of different stakeholders from all over the globe and has creative ideas.

You will join our Sound United Business Unit with iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics, based in Worthing, West Sussex - UK.

About the Role:

At Sound United, we’re passionate about bringing joy to the world through sound. As one of the largest audio portfolio companies globally, we’re home to iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. Each brand carries its own legacy, and together, we’re shaping the future of home entertainment.

As Production Engineering Manager at our Bowers & Wilkins facility in Worthing, West Sussex, you will lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary team of production, process, and maintenance engineers. Your team provides excellent service and vital support to both the Production and R&D teams for Bowers & Wilkins, and wider Harman brands as required. You will drive success by delivering product and process initiatives within New Product Introduction (NPI), followed by continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. The successful applicant will be an experienced and strong people leader, who leads by example to develop a team centric culture and foster employee growth.

The Production Engineering Department Manager holds full accountability for overseeing the provision and maintenance of all production processes, to support the successful delivery of manufactured Bowers & Wilkins products. The role is responsible for the provision of all required sample products to R&D in compliance with the agreed ESS procedure, alongside maintaining all production equipment, machinery, and plant assets across the site. Beyond technical and operational oversight, the position encompasses complete responsibility for the recruitment, supervision, and performance management of all direct and indirect reports within the Production Engineering department.

What You Will Do:

• Support the identification and oversee the implementation of new process technologies as well as existing process functions and controls, to enable Production to deliver the products manufactured.
• Actively manage and drive risk management, process improvement and maintain documents Production Engineering are responsible for within the B&W QMS, to ensure on-going compliance with ISO 9001.
• Identify new, upgrade and improvement requirements for all equipment, maintenance, and plant within the B&W Dale Road facility. Plan and record these in the annual CAPEX budget to ensure continued improvement and development of Production capability.
• Oversee, mentor, and manage staff in the Production Engineering Department, to achieve the delivery of projects, commitments, and production support, where required coach for improvement or manage performance to the required standard.
• Actively manage the Production Engineering resource by monitoring staff levels, arranging appropriate training, development and recruitment as required, to ensure the department has the relevant skills and knowledge required to support Production across all process functions.
• Lead risk assessment activity within Production Engineering, ensuring that safety protocols and practices are adhered to, through appropriate training, and documentation for compliance with all H&S regulation.
• Actively manage the planning and provision of critical machine maintenance during the annual factory shutdowns, ensuring that the required contractors and suppliers are available to attend site.

What You Need to Be Successful:

• HNC/D or degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in a technical role served within an engineering environment.
• A strong people leader focused on staff supervision and performance management, including development of top talent technically skilled individuals.
• Extensive understanding of HR managerial practices.
• Confident in conducting recruitment and talent development activities.
• Highly organized, capable of working in a logical and systematic manner.
• A confident communicator with the ability to lead and present on behalf of the wider team.
• Fully proficient in the Microsoft suite: excel, outlook, word.
• Requires the ability to positively influence people at all levels.

Bonus Points if You Have:

• ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership & Management
• Knowledge and understanding of ISO 9001
• Experience in SAP system
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing
• Six Sigma methodology

What Makes You Eligible:

• Fluent in English.
• Commutable to our Worthing, West Sussex site.
• Able to work onsite full-time, 5 days a week 8 am to 5 pm at our manufacturing facility.

What We Offer:

• Exceptional employee discounts on our legendary products across all brands.
• Enjoy a competitive salary.
• Receive a generous holiday allowance.
• We offer private medical insurance, a cycle to work scheme, and generous employee referral bonuses – we believe in true collaboration and feeling part of something special.
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.