Associate Director - Manufacturing Engineering

Safran; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran is seeking an Associate Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the global ME function across Actuation Systems plants. You will shape the long‑term ME vision, align with corporate goals, and drive excellence through collaboration with senior leadership.

You will champion Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable growth, overseeing budgets, processes, and talent development across worldwide teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent required.
• Master's degree preferred for senior leadership track.
• Proven track record leading global manufacturing engineering teams.
• Strong experience with APQP, PPAP and FMEA in aerospace/manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global ME strategy across all Actuation Systems plants.
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance capabilities and competitiveness.
• Drive manufacturing readiness, product quality and industrialisation from concept to mass production.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory and environmental standards.

Skills

Transformational leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

APQP/PPAP/FMEA

Lean Six Sigma

Industry 4.0

Change management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Safran Actuation Systems is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms.

Our Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability, and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Your role:

As Associate Director - Manufacturing Engineering, you'll hold global accountability for the strategic leadership and overall performance of the ME function across all Actuation Systems manufacturing plants.

You will develop and execute the long‑term ME vision and strategy in partnership with senior leadership, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, technological advancements, and customer expectations.

This role is critical in driving operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth by fostering collaboration across global teams and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the global Manufacturing Engineering strategy aligned with overall business objectives and emerging technologies (e.g., Industry 4.0)
• Lead innovation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts to enhance manufacturing capabilities and competitive advantage
• Ensure Manufacturing Engineering drives measurable business outcomes, including cost efficiency, product quality, and successful product industrialisation from concept to mass production.
• Champion sustainability and compliance with industry regulations and environmental standards.

People

• Build, lead, and inspire a diverse, high‑performing global ME leadership team and workforce.
• Define and implement talent development, succession planning, and capability‑building programs to meet current and future organizational needs.
• Foster an inclusive culture that promotes engagement, accountability, and professional growth across all ME teams worldwide.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders to ensure alignment and integration of ME talent strategies with broader organizational goals.

Process

• Establish, standardize, and continuously improve Manufacturing Engineering processes, best practices, and policies globally.
• Oversee industrialisation programs, manufacturing readiness, and product quality assurance processes (e.g., MRL, APQP, PPAP).
• Drive adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital tools to optimise operations.
• Monitor global ME performance metrics, manage budgets, and ensure resource allocation supports strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and environmental standards across all manufacturing sites.

What you'll bring

• Track record of transformational accomplishments in a manufacturing setting (e.g., process innovation, productivity gains, cultural change).
• Demonstrable leadership behaviours.
• Experience managing change and transformation in manufacturing.
• Proven strategic and critical thinking capabilities.
• Proven ability to apply advanced quality planning tools (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA) and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to ensure manufacturing readiness at product launch.
• Comfortable operating in a matrix organization with cross‑functional responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent), with a Master's Degree Preferred, in a relevant Manufacturing Engineering discipline

We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.