Head of Production Engineering

Acorn Recruitment; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Production Engineering to lead operational excellence in a global manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering and proven leadership experience. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive, inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in production engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in sheet metal manufacturing is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Production Engineering team.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
• Apply advanced welding knowledge to support process development.

Skills

Leadership in production engineering

Manufacturing process optimisation

Strong assembly process understanding

Effective people management

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Degree in Engineering (BEng in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Head of Production Engineering

Location: Plymouth
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Reporting to: Engineering Manager

Are you ready to lead engineering innovation in a global manufacturing environment?

My client is seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Production Engineering to drive operational excellence and lead a high-performing team in one of the UK's most advanced manufacturing facilities.

Role Overview

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Production Engineering to lead our production engineering function. This is a pivotal role responsible for driving operational excellence, process innovation, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

You will lead a team of skilled engineers, working collaboratively with production, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure our processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking leader with a strong background in engineering and a passion for developing people and processes.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Production Engineering, you'll be at the forefront of process innovation, leading a team of skilled engineers to optimise production systems and deliver world-class products. You'll collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure our processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with business goals.

• Leading and mentoring the Production Engineering team.
• Driving continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, tooling, and material utilisation.
• Applying advanced welding knowledge (spot, projection, MIG, TIG, robotic) to support process development.
• Developing accurate manufacturing costings with ROI and payback analysis.
• Ensuring engineering processes meet industry standards and support operational excellence.

Candidate Profile

We're looking for a leader who brings:

Education & Experience

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience (BEng in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering preferred).
• Proven leadership in production engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in sheet metal manufacturing is highly desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of assembly processes and resource planning.
• Expertise in manufacturing cost analysis and process optimisation.
• Effective people management and mentoring skills.
• A passion for continuous improvement and engineering excellence.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
• The chance to make a real impact in a forward-thinking, global organisation.

Ready to take the lead in shaping the future of production engineering? To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role

Please note: All prospective employees will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a sanction list check as part of our commitment to safety and compliance.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.