Lead Production Engineer

ACS Performance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in Greater London is seeking a highly skilled Lead Production Engineer to drive optimisation and improvement across their manufacturing operations. This role includes leading training, managing tooling, and conducting PFMEA. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in complex manufacturing and a strong background in mechanical processes. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development and progression

Work with cutting-edge processes and technologies

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Process / Production Engineering within complex manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD & T.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production Engineering maturity, delivering training aligned to APQP standards.
• Conduct PFMEA and Control Plan activities, implementing effective process controls.
• Manage tooling within allocated value streams.

Skills

Process Mapping

Problem-solving

Mechanical processes

Analytical skills

Communication

Tools

MS Project

SPC

Job description

Overview

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 will 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.