At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in driving manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 25 days holiday, and flexible perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and career growth in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex manufacturing environments and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 77400 - 94600 £ per year.
Location: Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
Salary: Circa £86,000 DOE
Working arrangement: Site based role
Your New Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join our Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility and play a key role in shaping the future of rail manufacturing. This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering team within one of the UK's most advanced rolling stock production facilities. You'll be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, industrialising new products, and ensuring manufacturing processes, equipment and methods support world-class standards in safety, quality, cost and delivery.
We're looking for an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager, but we'd also welcome applications from ambitious Senior Manufacturing Engineers with extensive experience in complex manufacturing environments who are ready to take the next step in their career. This role would particularly suit individuals who have worked in large-scale capital equipment, heavy engineering, transportation, aerospace, defence, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments where complex products and multiple stakeholders are the norm.
Some Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering function within the plant, coaching and supporting a team of engineering professionals.
- Drive the industrialisation of new products, ensuring robust tooling, equipment and manufacturing methods are deployed successfully.
- Act as a key stakeholder in continuous improvement projects focused on enhancing safety, quality, cost and delivery performance.
- Lead the specification, acquisition and implementation of manufacturing equipment, machinery and plant infrastructure.
- Own and develop manufacturing layouts and process capability across the site.
- Partner with colleagues across the UK and internationally, including teams in Italy and Japan, to support new product introduction and manufacturing excellence initiatives.
- Ensure safe, compliant and efficient manufacturing processes through effective risk assessment and engineering governance.
- Recruit, mentor and develop future engineering talent while building a high-performing team culture.
About You
We're looking for a strong people leader with a passion for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement. You'll ideally bring:
- A proven background within Manufacturing Engineering in a complex production environment.
- Experience leading projects involving new equipment, tooling, factory layouts, process development or new product introduction.
- Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and levels of an organisation.
- Experience working with complex mechanical assemblies, electrical assemblies, fabrication, welding, painting processes, or similar manufacturing technologies.
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent.
- Degree-level qualification in Engineering, or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience and continued professional development.
- Additional experience gained within large-scale capital equipment manufacturing, rail, aerospace, defence, automotive, heavy engineering or other safety-critical industries would be highly advantageous.
This role also offers occasional opportunities for international travel.
What We Offer
We value the importance of all of our employees. If you would like to join our fantastic organisation, you could be entitled to:
- Competitive salary
- Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident insurance
- Group Income Protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
If you're an experienced Manufacturing Engineering leader, or a Senior Manufacturing Engineer ready to take the next step into management, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of sustainable transport through world-class manufacturing excellence.
Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Newton Aycliffe employer: Hitachi
Hitachi is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about quality management. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company offers numerous growth opportunities and supports work-life balance through its remote working model. Joining Hitachi means being part of a global team dedicated to excellence, where your contributions directly impact customer satisfaction and product quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Newton Aycliffe
✨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 Hitachi, 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 Newton Aycliffe
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 Hitachi 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 Hitachi
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hitachi, 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 Hitachi 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.
