Head of Manufacturing Engineering in Wolverhampton

Safran is an international high‑technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What does the role look like? We are recruiting for a site Manufacturing Engineering leadership role that will lead the Manufacturing Engineering function for our Actuation HQ. In this role you will oversee advanced manufacturing strategy, industrialisation of new technologies and products, and development of a strong, capability‑driven engineering team. While aerospace experience is ideal, candidates from similarly complex, regulated, high‑precision manufacturing environments are also welcomed. The focus is on driving reliability, manufacturability, and competitive advantage through technical excellence and disciplined execution.

What will your day‑to‑day responsibilities look like?

• Advanced Manufacturing: Shape and deliver the site’s advanced manufacturing roadmap, including automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, non‑conventional processes, and next‑generation aerospace production technologies. Evaluate and implement new equipment, techniques, and process innovations that enhance capability, repeatability, and cost competitiveness. Embed a data‑led culture using real‑time process monitoring, statistical control, and advanced analytics to improve yield and quality.
• Industrialisation & New Product Introduction (NPI): Own the industrialisation strategy for new programmes, modifications, and design changes, ensuring robust manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards. Lead cross‑functional readiness reviews, sign‑off processes, and validation activities (PFMEAs, control plans, FAIR/AS9102 requirements). Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to build designs, processes, and tooling that deliver right‑first‑time launch. Reduce development and ramp‑up time by strengthening NPI frameworks, technology readiness assessments, and production readiness plans.
• Team Leadership & Capability Development: Lead and grow a high‑performing Manufacturing Engineering team covering process engineering, automation, industrialisation, CI, and tooling. Set and manage clear priorities across cost, quality, delivery, and capability development. Build future talent through structured development pathways, mentoring, succession planning, and skills uplift. Promote rigorous problem‑solving (8D, RCCA) and disciplined operating rhythms aligned to aerospace standards and customer expectations.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Own process stability and continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, flow, OEE, and scrap reduction. Ensure alignment with aerospace regulations and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, customer‑specific requirements). Oversee capital investment aligned to long‑term aerospace programme requirements and technology competitiveness. Work closely with Maintenance and Operations to maximise asset performance and embed robust process control.

What will you bring to the role?

• Essential skills: Leadership experience in Manufacturing Engineering within aerospace or a similarly complex, regulated sector (e.g., defence, automotive, precision engineering, high‑value industrials). Proven track record in automation, industrialisation, process optimisation, and large‑scale production improvement. Previous knowledge or experience of leading high performance teams.
• Desirable skills: Demonstrated success launching new products or technologies in a demanding engineering environment. Deep understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving. Familiarity with aerospace standards (AS9100, FAIRs, PPAP/APQP equivalents, NADCAP) advantageous but not mandatory for top‑tier candidates from other advanced sectors. Excellent cross‑functional leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels. Strategic thinker with a delivery mindset and high technical credibility. Comfortable leading transformation and championing modern manufacturing technologies. Structured, analytical, and driven by continuous improvement.