At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and maintenance initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading automotive company committed to excellence and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and a focus on safety and quality.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; strong leadership and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Role
As a key member of the Plant Leadership Team, the Engineering Manager will set clear objectives, manage performance, build capabilities, and embed a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement in alignment with ZF’s operational excellence strategy. Responsibilities include:
- Leading process and test engineering for current production and new product introduction.
- Driving automation initiatives including robot and AGV implementation.
- Overseeing lean manufacturing line design and optimisation.
- Managing CAPEX projects from justification to commissioning.
- Supporting zero-defect performance through rapid root cause problem-solving.
- Owning and implementing preventive, predictive, and autonomous maintenance systems to improve OEE, MTBF and MTTR.
- Managing site utilities, infrastructure and statutory compliance.
- Overseeing facility upgrades and equipment installations.
- Controlling maintenance budgets and inventory.
- Improving CMMS for data-driven decision-making.
- Ensuring full compliance with ZF Production System standards by embedding lean tools such as 5S, TPM, SMED, standardised work and visual management.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, scrap and cost while improving throughput, yield and labour efficiency.
- Supporting the EHS coordinator to ensure compliance with ISO standards (14001, 18001, 45001, 50001) and statutory regulations.
- Managing contractor control, permits to work and site safety systems.
- Promoting energy reduction and carbon neutrality initiatives.
- Enforcing a zero-accident culture.
- Supporting customer audits and visits, collaborating with suppliers and OEMs on equipment upgrades, modifications and issue resolution.
- Partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless support for production operations.
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing) or equivalent significant experience; HNC/HND minimum in relevant discipline; NEBOSH or equivalent safety qualification desirable.
- Proven track record in automotive/manufacturing engineering and maintenance leadership.
- Strong background in both mechanical and electrical disciplines.
- Experience in CAPEX project delivery, TPM implementation and lean manufacturing.
- Knowledge of IATF16949, VDA 6.3, ISO14001, ISO18001, ISO45001, ISO50001 and customer-specific requirements (e.g., JLR, Ford, BMW).
- Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, strong leadership and effective communication across all levels.
- Excellent problem-solving, analysis and decision-making; outstanding organisational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities.
- Solid financial acumen for budget and ROI analysis; IT literacy with experience in CMMS and manufacturing systems (MES/DMP).
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Engineering and Maintenance Manager. employer: ZF Group
At ZF, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Darlaston that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, all while promoting a culture of safety and collaboration. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in engineering and maintenance, where your contributions will directly impact our operational success and sustainability initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering and Maintenance 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 and Maintenance Manager. role you’re after at ZF Group.
✨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 ZF Group 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 ZF Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering and Maintenance Manager. at ZF Group, 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 and Maintenance Manager.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering and Maintenance 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 ZF Group 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 ZF Group 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 ZF Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with ZF Group, 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 ZF Group 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.
