Lead Production Engineer

ACS Business Performance Ltd; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in Gloucester is seeking a highly skilled Lead Production Engineer to optimise manufacturing operations, improve process quality, and manage production flow. You will lead key initiatives, provide training, implement continuous improvement strategies, and contribute to safety and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has significant experience in production engineering with strong mechanical process knowledge. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression in an innovative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development and progression

Cutting-edge processes and technologies

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Process/Production Engineering within complex manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production Engineering maturity and support value stream teams.
• Conduct PFMEA and Control Plan activities, implementing effective process controls.
• Drive efficiency improvement plans and monitor process data.

Skills

Process/Production Engineering

Mechanical processes

Process Mapping

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Project management

Tools

MS Project

CNC tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Production Engineer to join a leading manufacturer specialising in advanced materials and complex mechanical processes. This pivotal role will drive optimisation and improvement across manufacturing operations, ensuring robust process controls, enhanced product quality, and streamlined production flow.

You’ll also play a key role in introducing new products and processes, delivering training, and embedding standardised methodologies across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Production Engineering maturity, delivering training aligned to APQP standards.
• Deputise for the Production Engineering Manager when required.
• Support value stream teams with day‑to‑day production engineering activities.
• Conduct PFMEA and Control Plan activities, implementing effective process controls.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and detailed process maps.
• Drive efficiency improvement plans, reducing waste and costs.
• Manage tooling within allocated value streams.
• Monitor and analyse process data, proposing continuous improvement solutions.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to improve OEE.
• Support Lean improvement events and cross‑functional problem‑solving teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to annual improvement plans, audits, and KPI reporting.

About You

• Significant experience in Process/Production Engineering within complex manufacturing.
• Strong background in mechanical processes (Pressing, CNC Machining, Assembly).
• Skilled in Production Engineering tools: Process Mapping, Yamazumi, MOST, SOPs, SPC, Value Stream Mapping, Spaghetti Diagrams.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.
• Knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in fast‑paced environments.

Attributes

• Self‑motivated, methodical, and organised.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with a completer/finisher mindset.
• Open to change and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• CNC programming experience.
• Exposure to Lean methodologies (Single Piece Flow, Jidoka, SMED, 5S).
• Familiarity with APQP tools (PPAP, PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans).
• Experience with project management tools (MS Project, Gantt charts).

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape production engineering strategy in a forward‑thinking manufacturer.
• Career development and progression in a supportive environment.
• Work with cutting‑edge processes and technologies.

This role is recruited for by ACS Performance