Hardware Engineering Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defence manufacturing is seeking an Electronics Engineering Manager to oversee facility operations and drive strategic initiatives. This high-stakes role offers the potential to progress to Managing Director, leading to a critical impact in the defence and electronics sectors.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electronics or defence manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of defence customer contracts and ISO9001:2015 standards.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of facility operations including production and maintenance.
• Manage and deliver on complex defence contracts with compliance.
• Drive strategic planning aligned with company goals.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Electronics Engineering

Quality Control

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline

Job description

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? Join Our Leadership Team – Electronics Engineering Manager (Defence Manufacturing | Bespoke Electronics | High Power Custom Systems)

? Full-Time Contract or Permanent| Senior Leadership

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving operational excellence in high-stakes environments? We’re seeking an Electronics Engineering Manager who can share technical responsibilities with the Managing Director, be the point of contact for a high value client and to lead our cutting-edge facility at the forefront of the defence and electronics manufacturing sector. This is a unique opportunity which can offer the opportunity to progress into a managing director/technical director role in the coming years.

The client are simply looking for the best person and as such can accommodate either a high salary or contract day rate.

? About the Role

As Electronics Engineering Manager, you'll take full ownership of facility operations — from production and maintenance to quality control and compliance. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, and senior leadership, you’ll champion strategic initiatives, enhance operational processes, and ensure our design facility operates to the highest industry standards.

Your leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our delivery of high-quality, mission-critical products, ensuring sustainable growth, and elevating our brand within the defence and bespoke electronics manufacture sectors.

? Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of facility operations — including production, maintenance, and quality assurance
• Drive strategic planning aligned with company goals and long-term vision
• Manage and deliver on complex defence contracts with full regulatory compliance
• Foster a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with engineering teams from design to production
• Oversee budgeting, financial performance, and efficient resource allocation
• Build lasting relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, and regulatory bodies
• Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards
• Set and track KPIs for performance, cost-efficiency, and quality

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years of experience in electronics or defence manufacturing, with experience in senior leadership
• Deep knowledge of (preferably defence) customer contracts, regulatory frameworks, and ISO9001:2015 standards
• Technically astute across Electronics engineering, quality control, and full-cycle product development
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire, mentor, and lead teams
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline (preferred)

? Human Qualities That Matter

• Authentic, empathetic leadership rooted in transparency and integrity
• Visionary thinking paired with the resilience to navigate complex challenges
• Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Passion for mentoring and developing high-performing teams
• Effective communicator with emotional intelligence and influence
• Production Efficiency: 95%+ target
• Cost Savings: Achieve 10% annual reduction in operational costs
• Safety: Zero tolerance for non-compliance and incidents

The client are fine to accommodate either an Ltd. company contractor arrangement with potential to transition to permanent or a straight permanent role at a high salary. The MD is looking to retire in the next few years and you would have the opportunity to take over from him and become the MD of the business in the next 3 - 5 years.