At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy for a fast-paced manufacturing project in electrification and injection moulding.
- Company: Join Unipart, a leader in supply chain performance improvement with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while driving innovation and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering leadership experience, ideally in Defence or Aerospace sectors.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Coventry
Up to £70,000 plus car/car allowance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme.
About the Role
Unipart Manufacturing is launching a flagship, fast-paced manufacturing project in Coventry, combining high-volume electrification assembly with complex injection moulding inputs. Fully aligned with Unipart’s Sector and Growth Strategy and The Unipart Way Forward Plan, this critical project will scale from zero to over 200 employees within just four months. We are seeking a high-calibre Senior Advanced Engineering Leader (Engineering Manager) with deep technical expertise in electrification and injection moulding assembly. Reporting directly to senior executive leadership, you will drive operational engineering strategy, building a high-performing engineering capability from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engineering Strategy and NPI: Lead the operational engineering strategy, capital equipment/tooling investments, plant layouts, and NPI processes to ensure fast-paced project delivery.
- Electrification and Moulding Technical Delivery: Direct process control, equipment care (TPM), and engineering solutions across high-volume electrification assembly lines and polymer/injection moulding inputs.
- Quality and QCD Performance: Maintain best-practice tooling and process specifications to hit quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) targets, maintaining zero-defect and right-first-time engineering standards.
- Lean Culture and The Unipart Way: Embed Unipart Way systems, root-cause problem-solving (FMEA), continuous improvement tools, and standardised processes across the engineering team.
- Compliance and Standards: Oversee process control adherence, safety rules, AQAP 2110 / AS9100D, and ISO 14001 / Def Stan 00-056 standards, ensuring full engineering compliance, configuration management, and defense requirements across all production lines.
- Change Management: This is a fast-paced, evolving project where your scope will grow alongside the initiative itself - while core deliverables are clear, flexibility is key - you’ll have the opportunity to shape processes, adapt to changing priorities, and directly influence the project's direction as it unfolds.
About You
We’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!
- Engineering Leadership: Proven track record managing an engineering department or senior engineering function, ideally within the Defence sector.
- Quality and Systems Background: Defence or Aerospace manufacturing background (MoD / NATO supply chain) with experience operating under AQAP 2110 or AS9100D frameworks.
- Line Validation and Inspection: Experience with First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR / AS9102) and formal defense line-validation processes (AS9145 or Def Stan 05-61).
- Configuration and Safety Management: Knowledge of Defence Configuration Management standards and Safety Risk Assessment frameworks like Def Stan 00-056 or POEMS (Project Environment and Safety Management System).
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Production), Science, or equivalent demonstrable experience; FMEA/Lean Six Sigma expertise is highly desirable.
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. Adjustments for you: 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.
Senior Advanced Engineering Lead - Advanced Manufacturing Scale-Up (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry employer: Unipart
Unipart in Magna Park is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and a strong safety culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in supply chain management. With a focus on continuous improvement and lean practices, team members are encouraged to collaborate and innovate, ensuring a rewarding work environment that values each individual's contribution. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your efforts directly impact our commitment to delivering world-class service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Advanced Engineering Lead - Advanced Manufacturing Scale-Up (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Advanced Engineering Lead - Advanced Manufacturing Scale-Up (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry
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 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
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Unipart, 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 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.
