Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Umbilical Advanced

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering activities, improve plant reliability, and manage automation projects.
  • Company: Established manufacturing business focused on operational excellence and modern technologies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish on Fridays, and opportunities for team development.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and team coaching.
  • Why this job: Shape a high-performing engineering function in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in engineering management and strong problem-solving skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Days – Monday to Friday (early finish on Fridays)

Location: South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Umbilical Search is proud to be working with a well-established manufacturing business operating within a 24/7 production environment. The site is focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the ongoing adoption of modern manufacturing technologies and automation to drive long-term performance.

This is a key leadership appointment for the site, offering the opportunity to shape and build a high-performing engineering function. The successful Engineering Manager will be responsible for developing structure, capability, and accountability across maintenance, tooling, automation, and facilities engineering, ensuring strong plant reliability and execution discipline.

The role will suit a hands‐on yet strategic engineering leader who thrives in fast‐paced manufacturing environments and is passionate about developing teams, improving asset performance, and delivering structured engineering excellence.

Key Accountabilities

  • Lead day‐to‐day engineering activity across maintenance, tooling, automation, and facilities
  • Build a structured engineering system with clear planning, priorities, and performance tracking
  • Improve plant reliability through strong maintenance practices (preventative maintenance, downtime reduction, MTBF improvement)
  • Deliver engineering and automation projects on time and in full
  • Drive root cause analysis to eliminate repeat equipment failures
  • Support the introduction of new automation, controls, and manufacturing technologies
  • Manage engineering KPIs such as downtime, breakdown response, and maintenance effectiveness
  • Oversee engineering budget and ensure effective cost control and ROI on spend
  • Develop and coach engineering teams to improve technical skill and performance
  • Ensure safe working practices and strong compliance across all engineering activities
  • Work closely with production to support uptime, efficiency, and continuous improvement

Experience Required

  • Experience in an Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager, or senior maintenance leadership role
  • Strong background in maintenance engineering within a fast‐paced manufacturing environment
  • Proven ability to improve equipment reliability (downtime reduction, MTBF, maintenance performance)
  • Experience with automation, controls, or modern manufacturing systems
  • Hands‐on understanding of mechanical and electrical maintenance principles
  • Experience leading and developing engineering or maintenance teams
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a 24/7 production environment
  • Experience delivering engineering projects from start to finish
  • Strong problem‐solving skills with a focus on root cause fixing, not repeat repairs
  • Engineering qualification (degree or time‐served apprenticeship) in Mechanical, Electrical, or similar discipline preferred

How to Apply

Please click "apply" or for further information, contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, email an up‐to‐date CV to ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com

Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing candidate searches solely on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.

Engineering Manager employer: Umbilical Advanced

Umbilical Search offers an exceptional opportunity for an Engineering Manager in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, within a well-established manufacturing business that prioritises operational excellence and continuous improvement. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, providing employees with the chance to lead innovative engineering projects while ensuring a safe and efficient production environment. With a commitment to modern manufacturing technologies and a focus on team development, this role is perfect for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Umbilical Advanced

Contact Details:

Umbilical Advanced Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Manager role you’re after at Umbilical Advanced.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Umbilical Advanced a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Umbilical Advanced.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Engineering Manager at Umbilical Advanced, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager

Leadership Skills
Maintenance Engineering
Automation and Controls
Project Management
Root Cause Analysis
Preventative Maintenance
Mechanical Maintenance Principles

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Umbilical Advanced a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Umbilical Advanced specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Umbilical Advanced

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Umbilical Advanced, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Umbilical Advanced want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.