Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and support production teams.
  • Company: Join Ifor Williams Trailers, a family-owned business with a strong heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Experience the beauty of North Wales while advancing your career in manufacturing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while working with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
  • Qualifications: Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering and experience in production environments.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.

Location: Tyn Llidiart, Tyn Llidiart Industrial Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9RR

Salary: Competitive.

Summary:

  • Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
  • Office based with local travel between sites as required
  • 33 days holiday per year

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, focusing on the development, implementation, and optimisation of processes to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. The role involves analysing performance, improving quality, and working closely with production teams to achieve operational targets and enhance overall business performance, focusing on process optimisation and supporting production teams to deliver operational targets.

What you will be responsible for:

  • Develop and implement manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
  • Support production with technical problem solving and root cause analysis.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up activities.
  • Analyse production data and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Support tooling, fixtures, and process development.
  • Work with quality teams to resolve manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
  • Ensure processes comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

What we are looking for:

  • Have a desire to learn and grow the role, have a “Can-Do” attitude and the ability to accept guidance on manufacturing engineering practices.
  • A flexible and enthusiastic team player with a passion for problem solving.
  • Demonstrates a practical hands-on approach.
  • Demonstrates a sense of urgency and a desire to deliver against agreed targets.
  • Good interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate clearly.
  • Computer literate and understand Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc).
  • Work closely with our Design, Manufacturing Engineers, Site Leaders and Quality Engineers to deliver a Right First-Time solution.
  • Look forwards to new challenges and ask questions.
  • Able to accept instructions and take notes as required.
  • Be an excellent Timekeeper.
  • Willing to go the “Extra Mile” to achieve a goal.
  • Practical understanding of Fabrication and Welding, including Weld Symbols and usage on drawings.
  • Understanding of “Poka-Yoke” on processes, procedures and tooling.
  • Experienced in the use of SolidWorks 3D CAD Software and the creation of Engineering Drawings.
  • Willingness to travel between all our sites to speak with other members of the team and ensure a working process or procedure is delivered to Ifor Williams Trailers.
  • An understanding of Robotic Welding is desirable but not essential.

The behaviours that matter most:

  • Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for identifying process improvement opportunities and delivering measurable manufacturing outcomes. Ensures engineering changes and improvements are implemented effectively and sustained in production. Acts promptly to resolve process, quality, and efficiency issues within manufacturing operations.
  • Quality & Right First Time Mindset: Promotes high standards in process design, validation, and control to achieve right-first-time manufacture. Applies root cause analysis techniques to eliminate defects and prevent recurrence. Ensures all process improvements support product quality, compliance, and customer requirements.
  • Practical & Hands-On Approach: Actively engages on the shop floor, supporting production and understanding real-time process challenges. Applies Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to develop practical engineering solutions. Balances structured engineering methods with operational practicality to deliver effective outcomes.
  • Collaborative Working: Works closely with production teams, quality, design, and site leadership to improve manufacturing processes. Engages operators and stakeholders in problem-solving and continuous improvement activities. Communicates technical information clearly and effectively across all levels of the business.
  • Continuous Improvement Focus: Continuously seeks opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and productivity. Challenges existing processes using engineering insight while valuing team experience and input. Uses data analysis, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive informed decision-making and improvements.
  • Pace, Resilience & Adaptability: Delivers results in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment. Adapts engineering approaches to meet varying production needs and operational priorities. Responds positively to change, overcoming challenges with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.

Required Qualifications:

  • Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing, or Manufacturing / Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Good knowledge and experience in sheet metal and fabrication / welding.
  • Experience in manufacturing or production environments.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Experience using engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
  • Good communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Experience using SolidWorks 3D CAD Software, that can be demonstrated at an interview.
  • Extensive experience in the creation of Drawings generated from the 3D model that can be demonstrated at an interview.

Why IWT:

Ifor Williams Trailers is a family‑owned business with a strong heritage, long‑term stability, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Founded in 1958 and operating across five advanced manufacturing sites in North Wales, we offer the scale, complexity, and operational depth to genuinely challenge and develop improvement professionals. This role provides the opportunity to work across diverse manufacturing operations, including assembly, fabrication, finishing, and process‑led environments, giving real breadth and impact. As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will have the visibility, authority, and support to drive meaningful change and embed best practice across multiple sites. We invest in our people, offering genuine opportunities for professional development, exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a measurable difference in a business that values quality, practicality, and long‑term improvement. North Wales also offers an outstanding quality of life, with the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep and Liverpool and Manchester just over an hour away.

How to apply:

Send your CV and a one-page covering note what attracts you to this role, why you are applying, and what relevant experience you would bring to HR@iwt.co.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a site visit and a multi-stage competency-based interview. We will be in touch with all applicants and thank you in advance for taking the time to apply.

Manufacturing Engineer employer: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd

Ifor Williams Trailers is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development. With a strong family-owned heritage and a commitment to quality, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and the opportunity to work across diverse manufacturing operations in the beautiful North Wales region, which boasts an outstanding quality of life and easy access to major cities. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd

Contact Detail:

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ifor Williams Trailers on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to manufacturing engineering. Think about how your skills in problem-solving and process optimisation can shine through. We want to see that 'Can-Do' attitude in action!

Tip Number 3

Show off your hands-on experience! Bring examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled in manufacturing. This will demonstrate your practical approach and ability to deliver results, which is exactly what they're looking for.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team at Ifor Williams Trailers.

We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Process Development
Technical Problem Solving
Root Cause Analysis
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Data Analysis
Tooling and Fixture Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in process optimisation and problem-solving, to show us you’re the right fit for the job.

Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note should be a snapshot of your passion for the role. Tell us what excites you about working with Ifor Williams Trailers and how your skills align with our goals. Keep it concise but impactful!

Show Off Your Skills:Don’t shy away from showcasing your technical skills, especially with SolidWorks and lean manufacturing principles. We want to see how you can contribute to our continuous improvement initiatives.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially those relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'Poka-Yoke' and 'Lean manufacturing principles', as well as any specific tools or software mentioned in the job description, like SolidWorks.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled technical problems in the past. Think about times when you used root cause analysis or implemented process improvements. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to deliver results.

Communicate Clearly

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain complex engineering concepts in simple terms, as effective communication is key to collaborative working.

Ask Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s continuous improvement initiatives or the specific challenges they face in manufacturing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.