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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to optimise manufacturing processes and drive automation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking manufacturing business in Lincoln with a purpose-built facility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £55,000 with flexibility based on experience and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformative change and make a measurable impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering; extensive manufacturing engineering experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Lincoln
Salary: £55,000 (with flexibility based on experience)
Lead Transformative Change
Are you a seasoned manufacturing engineering leader with a passion for Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence? Hays in Lincoln is exclusively partnering with an innovative client to recruit a Principal Manufacturing Engineer for a pivotal new role. This is your chance to spearhead a team, drive change and elevate manufacturing processes to world-class standards.
This is your opportunity to take the helm of a manufacturing transformation, leading a team to deliver measurable impact. With a salary of £55,000 (and flexibility for standout experience), you’ll shape processes, embed Lean Six Sigma principles and drive automation; all while fostering a high-performing team and influencing cross-functional success. Our client’s operation is ready for your vision to turn potential into performance.
About the Opportunity
Our client, a forward-thinking manufacturing business in Lincoln, operates a purpose-built facility with a manufacturing operation of around 30 operators. Their production relies on manufacturing cells, combining manual processes with some automation, and they’re ready for a step-change.
As Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll lead a dedicated team to design, implement, and optimise processes, initially strengthening the existing product range and later supporting new product introductions with a relentless focus on Lean principles, Six Sigma, and operational excellence.
The Role
In this leadership position, you’ll head a team of Manufacturing Engineers, inspiring them to deliver exceptional results. You’ll tackle current process weaknesses by conducting full PFMEAs, redesigning operating procedures, and driving improvements across the board. With your expertise, you’ll champion automation and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration and lasting change.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development: Guide and motivate your team, bringing out their best to achieve safety, quality and efficiency goals.
- Process Design & Optimisation: Develop scalable, Lean-driven manufacturing processes, integrating automation and designing tooling to boost productivity.
- Cross-Functional Change: Partner with R&D and operations to embed manufacturing excellence into product design and production handovers.
- Operational Excellence: Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance existing processes, eliminate waste, and improve cost, quality, and consistency.
- Automation Leadership: Drive automation projects, from identification to Capex justification, reducing manual reliance in a medium-volume assembly environment.
- Process Validation: Validate processes, create robust documentation, work instructions and risk assessments to ensure compliance and performance.
What You’ll Do Day-to-Day
- Lead your team in designing and implementing Lean manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate with product design and cross-functional stakeholders to integrate manufacturability and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement using Six Sigma tools to address inefficiencies and elevate standards.
- Spearhead automation initiatives, presenting business cases to secure investment.
- Monitor and refine processes, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with a proven track record of designing and optimising processes for small to medium-volume assembly.
- Deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence, with practical application in a manufacturing setting.
- Demonstrated success in leading teams, inspiring performance and driving change across functions.
- Experience implementing automation solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual processes.
- Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of safety and quality standards in manufacturing.
- Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
If you’re a manufacturing leader who thrives on bringing out the best in people and driving operational excellence, then we want to hear from you.
Locations
Principal Manufacturing Engineer employer: HAYS
Contact Detail:
HAYS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Manufacturing Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing engineering field, especially those who have experience with Lean Six Sigma and automation. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in manufacturing processes and automation technologies. Being knowledgeable about current innovations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to driving transformative change within the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies in previous roles. Highlight measurable outcomes from your initiatives to showcase your impact on operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and their manufacturing processes. Understanding their current challenges and opportunities will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're ready to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Manufacturing Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in manufacturing engineering, particularly focusing on Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence. Use specific examples of past projects where you led teams or implemented successful process improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for manufacturing transformation and leadership. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as driving automation and collaborating cross-functionally.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. For instance, mention any cost savings, efficiency improvements, or successful automation projects you've led.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in leading and developing teams. Provide examples of how you've motivated team members to achieve safety, quality, and efficiency goals, as this is a crucial aspect of the Principal Manufacturing Engineer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and drive change.
✨Demonstrate Lean Six Sigma Expertise
Since the role heavily focuses on Lean Six Sigma principles, come ready to discuss your experience with these methodologies. Prepare to share specific projects where you've successfully applied Lean or Six Sigma tools to improve processes and eliminate waste.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to process design, optimisation, and automation. Brush up on your knowledge of CAD software and process simulation tools, as well as any relevant safety and quality standards in manufacturing.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires working closely with R&D and operations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different departments in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve integrated manufacturability into product design and ensured seamless production handovers.
