At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, driving strategy and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Unipart, a leader in supply chain performance improvement.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, 33 days holiday, pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and providing excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Electronics Engineering and proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Location: Southport
Salary and benefits: Up to £60,000 (depending on experience) plus 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme.
This is a fully site based role and you should be prepared to commute to the Southport site 5 days per week.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Manufacturing Engineering Manager is a key member of the Southport Operational Leadership Team. You will lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering function and Toolroom, driving strategy, industrialising new products, and implementing safe, capable, and efficient processes to support operational excellence and business growth.
As part of your key responsibilities, you’ll:
- Engineering Leadership: Define the site’s manufacturing engineering roadmap, and establish robust process standards, coaching your team to drive Right First Time performance toward a zero-defect culture.
- People Leadership: Lead, develop, and coach a team of 6 engineers.
- Process & NPI Development: Lead short-batch New Product Introduction, analyse process capability (SPC), and oversee product testing and pre-production trials.
- Operational Excellence: Drive a continuous improvement culture using Unipart Way lean tools, leading structured root cause investigations to eliminate waste and boost productivity.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide technical guidance to senior leadership and shop-floor teams, collaborating with Design Engineering, Quality, Procurement, customers, and suppliers.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- A degree in Mechanical or Electronics Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
- Proven people leadership experience leading a Manufacturing or Production Engineering function, with a clear focus on developing talent, building capability and driving engagement.
- Demonstrated experience in NPI, industrialisation projects, and short-batch manufacturing.
- Strong background in lean manufacturing, Statistical Process Control (SPC), structured root-cause problem-solving and writing technical reports.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to inspire your team, build strong cross-functional relationships, and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business, including customers and suppliers.
The following would be highly desirable:
- Six Sigma qualification (Green Belt level), experience with Process Engineering tools and MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), a basic knowledge of optical testing.
About Unipart
We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers’ supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it’s your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you ‘you’ - it is your talent and potential that we value most. We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.
Summary
- Department: Manufacturing
- Job Type: Permanent
- Contract Type: Full time
- Hours: 37
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04T23:59:00.000Z
Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Southport employer: Unipart Rail
Unipart is an exceptional employer located in Southport, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and operational excellence thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to comprehensive benefits including 33 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and wellbeing support, all while being part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to lead a talented team in driving impactful manufacturing engineering initiatives, ensuring your career growth in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Southport
✨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 Unipart Rail, 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 Southport
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 Unipart Rail 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 Unipart Rail
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Unipart Rail, 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 Unipart Rail 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.
