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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to solve real-world product challenges and improve existing products.
- Company: Join a reputable manufacturing company focused on quality and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by leading a stable team in a regulated environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Engineering Manager who thrives on leading teams, solving real-world product challenges, and keeping critical products performing in the field? This is a key leadership role within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, focused on sustaining existing products rather than new product development. If you enjoy problem-solving, technical leadership and developing engineers, this could be a strong fit.
The Role
- You’ll take ownership of a well-established engineering team, leading the ongoing support and improvement of a complex product portfolio.
- Your focus will include:
- Leading a team of c.10 engineers, driving performance, engagement and development
- Acting as a technical authority across mechanical design and product issues
- Managing real-world challenges such as material shortages, quality issues and field failures
- Ensuring products remain compliant, manufacturable and commercially viable
- Driving continuous improvement across processes, capability and output
- Working cross-functionally with quality, operations and supply chain to resolve issues quickly and effectively
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to speak with candidates who bring a strong blend of technical depth and proven leadership.
Key experience:
- Background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering (or similar)
- Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (6–10+ reports)
- Strong understanding of design-led engineering environments (not purely process/production)
- Experience within a regulated industry (medical devices highly desirable)
- Exposure to plastic moulding, materials or tooling would be a significant advantage
- Comfortable operating in a sustaining / in-market product environment rather than NPI
Leadership style:
- A steady, collaborative leader who can integrate into an established team
- Confident in coaching, mentoring and managing performance
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused and calm under pressure
- Focused on continuous improvement, not unnecessary disruption
Why This Role?
- Lead a stable, well-performing team with real ownership
- Work on products already in the market, solving meaningful challenges
- Influence both technical direction and team development
- Join a business operating within a highly regulated, quality-driven environment
- Hybrid working with a strong balance of on-site collaboration and flexibility
Location & Package
- Kent-based role (hybrid – typically a minimum of 2 days on-site)
- Salary up to c.£75,000 with some flexibility for the right person
- Competitive wider benefits package
Important Considerations
- This role is not suited to candidates focused purely on NPI or innovation-led environments
- You must be comfortable with a hands-on, problem-solving sustaining environment
- If you’re an Engineering Manager who enjoys leading from the front, developing teams and solving complex product challenges, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.
Locations
Engineering Manager - Product & Sustaining (Mechanical) in Ashford, Kent employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager - Product & Sustaining (Mechanical) in Ashford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in regulated environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss real-world challenges you've faced and how you’ve led teams through them. We want to see your problem-solving prowess!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with sustaining products during interviews. Talk about how you've managed quality issues or material shortages in the past. This will highlight your fit for the role and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager - Product & Sustaining (Mechanical) in Ashford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in mechanical engineering to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about sustaining existing products. Share examples of how you've tackled real-world challenges in previous roles, especially in regulated environments, to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead teams! In your application, describe your collaborative approach and how you’ve successfully developed engineers in the past. This will help us see if you align with our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around design-led environments. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in sustaining products and how you tackled them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership approach. Think about times when you successfully coached or mentored team members, and be ready to share how you drive performance and engagement within your team.
✨Understand the Industry Context
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape of the industry, especially if you have experience in medical devices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality in your projects.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Since this role involves tackling real-world challenges, come equipped with examples of how you've resolved issues like material shortages or quality failures. Highlight your pragmatic approach and ability to stay calm under pressure.