Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver innovative vacuum solutions and drive market expansion.
  • Company: Join VAT, the global leader in high-performance vacuum valves with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
  • Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the vacuum industry while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in the vacuum industry and a relevant engineering degree required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About VAT Group

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions for integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Location: Warwickshire, GB; Burkau, DE. Employment Type: Permanent.

Lead and manage regional growth initiatives by coordinating a team of application engineers and collaborating closely with key account managers. Your mission is to deliver innovative solutions to both existing and new VAT customers, driving technical excellence and market expansion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of Field Application Engineers across the EU and RoW region, fostering technical excellence and customer focus.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration between engineering, sales, and product teams to align regional strategies with global business objectives.
  • Provide expert technical support for VAT's products and their applications to enable sales growth across the region.
  • Develop and manage technical specifications and strategies for VAT's products.
  • Identify and pursue revenue growth opportunities in both VAT core and adjacent markets.
  • Support and guide field sales engineers in developing effective account penetration strategies.
  • Monitor competitor activities and customer trends, delivering actionable business intelligence to VAT leadership.
  • Ensure all customer interactions and insights are accurately documented in the VAT CRM system.
  • Actively contribute to the sales pipeline by supporting field sales engineers in customer engagements and opportunity development.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in the vacuum industry.
  • Degree in Microelectronics, Instrumentation, Applied Optics, or Engineering Physics (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Dual Degree, or PhD from a top-tier institution).
  • Additional qualifications in Business Administration or strong business acumen are highly desirable.
  • Proven experience in customer development and technical sales support.
  • Hands‑on experience in semiconductor fabrication, with detailed knowledge of layer‑wise materials, process technologies, and performance optimisation.
  • Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken); German language proficiency is an advantage.
  • Formal training in negotiation, leadership, and team management is a plus.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.

Engineering Manager employer: VAT GROUP

At VAT Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Warwickshire that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a culture that values integrity and teamwork, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission of delivering high-performance vacuum solutions. Join us and be part of a diverse team where your expertise will drive both personal and professional success.

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Contact Details:

VAT GROUP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the vacuum industry and let them know you're on the hunt for an Engineering Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven growth initiatives and fostered teamwork in your previous roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit for leading their high-performing team!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values, like VAT Group. Check out our website for openings and make sure to tailor your approach to highlight how you can contribute to their mission of innovation and customer centricity.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can help drive technical excellence at VAT.

We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager

Team Leadership
Technical Support
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer Development
Technical Sales Support
Market Expansion
Business Intelligence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Manager role. Highlight your experience in the vacuum industry and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at VAT!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about vacuum solutions and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and technical expertise. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the VAT family!

How to prepare for a job interview at VAT GROUP

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vacuum technology and the specific products VAT offers. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication and how it relates to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the industry, but that you can also bring valuable insights to the team.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Engineering Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Think about times when you fostered collaboration between different departments and how that led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to drive cross-functional collaboration.

Be Customer-Centric

VAT values customer focus, so be prepared to discuss how you've supported customer development in previous roles. Share specific instances where you provided technical support that led to sales growth or improved customer satisfaction. This will highlight your alignment with VAT's mission and values.

Stay Informed About Competitors

Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for this role. Research VAT's competitors and be ready to discuss their strategies and how VAT can differentiate itself. This shows that you're proactive and have a strategic mindset, which is essential for driving market expansion.