Head of Engineering

MillerKnoll; Melksham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead their engineering and programming support teams. This role involves driving excellence across production engineering, maintenance, tooling, and CNC programming while fostering a high-performing team culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, proven people management skills, and a passion for process improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in people management skills.
• At least 5 years successful management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Current knowledge of operations management best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and programming teams to support UK operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing environment.
• Oversee maintenance and tooling management.

Skills

People management

Process improvement

Communication

Education

Degree Level Qualification in Engineering

Job description

Why join us?

Our purpose is to design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

• Are you a people leader who is looking to make their next step?
• Do you have a strong engineering background in a Manufacturing environment?
• Do you have automation experience?
  
  

If so please read on!

Head of Engineering

Job Summary

To lead the team delivering engineering & programming support to the operations team to include, production engineering, maintenance, tooling, manufacturing engineering & CNC programming team for the UK business. To leverage tools and techniques from HM Inc. where appropriate.

Dynamic and experienced leader to oversee and coordinate the engineering and programming functions that support our UK operations team. This role will have responsibility for driving excellence across key technical areas, including production engineering, maintenance, tooling, manufacturing engineering, and CNC programming

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Act as a key member of the operations management team, contributing to the development and execution of global and local strategic plans.
• Understand and integrate the commercial aspects of the business to support the achievement of operational and business objectives.
  
  

Engineering Oversight:

• Provide full engineering support across MillerKnoll’s UK operations, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Lead the engineering and programming teams, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery.
  
  

Manufacturing Support:

• Equip the manufacturing team with the tools, techniques, and processes necessary to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing environment.
• Lead engineering initiatives focused on process optimisation, cost reduction, and quality improvement across the manufacturing floor.
• Maintain flexible and effective processes to respond quickly to short-lead-time customer orders while ensuring quality and delivery performance.
  
  

CNC Programming:

• Support and develop the programming team, enhancing capabilities and systems to drive improved productivity and quality.
  
  

Maintenance Management:

• Oversee the maintenance department, including planned maintenance, reactive support, and capital projects.
• Increase equipment uptime and availability through proactive planning and team development.
  
  

Tooling Management:

• Take ownership of tooling strategy—develop processes and procedures for managing both in-house and vendor tooling lifecycles.
  
  

New Product Launches:

• Play a key role in cross-functional project teams to ensure operational readiness for new product introductions.
  
  

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with legal, environmental, health, and safety standards across all engineering functions.
  
  

Team Development & Coaching:

• Build and nurture a high-performing team by developing training plans, coaching individuals, and fostering a learning culture.
• Encourage cross-training and career development opportunities for team members.
  
  

Communication & Engagement:

• Maintain high levels of employee engagement by communicating company performance and initiatives through regular meetings and open dialogue.
  
  

Performance Management:

• Drive performance by tracking and achieving key KPIs across engineering, programming, maintenance, and tooling operations.
  
  

Global Collaboration:

• Actively engage with global MillerKnoll engineering teams to share insights and implement best-practice engineering solutions.
  
  

Company Requirements

Health & Safety; ensure that safe working practices are followed. Attend safety briefings, as requested. Take responsibility for your own, employees, contractors and visitor safety in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999

Compliance; ensure compliance with business systems, processes, certification schemes, regulations and legislation relevant to the scope of your role. Support internal quality controls and audits to demonstrate compliance.

Job Holder Requirements

• Proven track record in people management skills
• Degree Level Qualification or equivalent, in an engineering discipline
• At least 5 years successful management experience within a manufacturing environment
• Current knowledge of operations management best practice
• Committed to and able to demonstrate being passionate about process improvement and delivery of excellent customer service
• Able to communicate to a high level in written and spoken English
  
  

Company Values

Leadership – leading by example

Purpose – energy and drive

Beliefs – integrity and trust

Design – problem solving

Connections – relationships

Growth – continuous improvement

Performance – achieve standards

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].