Associate Director - Manufacturing Engineering

Safran; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Actuation Systems seeks an Associate Director - Manufacturing Engineering to own global ME strategy and the performance of ME across all manufacturing plants. You will drive the long‑term ME vision with senior leadership, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, technology advances, and customer expectations.

You will lead a global ME leadership team and oversee processes, compliance and industrialisation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience leading global manufacturing teams.
• Experience applying APQP/PPAP and quality tooling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global Manufacturing Engineering strategy aligned with business objectives and emerging technologies.
• Lead innovation initiatives and continuous improvement to enhance capabilities and competitive advantage.
• Drive manufacturing readiness, product quality, and industrialisation from concept to mass production.
• Champion sustainability and regulatory compliance across sites.
• Build, lead, and inspire a global ME leadership team.
• Define talent development and succession plans; foster an inclusive culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Communication

Problem solving

Executive presence

Cross functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Lean

Six Sigma

Job description

Safran – Here, we craft excellence together.

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.

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

Purpose

• 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 industrialization programs, manufacturing readiness, and product quality assurance processes (e.g., MRL, APQP, PPAP).
• Drive adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital tools to optimize 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

• Demonstrated excellent leadership behaviours.
• Proven strategic and critical thinking capabilities.
• Experience managing change and transformation in manufacturing.
• 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.
• Track record of transformational accomplishments in a manufacturing setting (e.g., process innovation, productivity gains, cultural change).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• 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.

We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.