Manufacturing Engineer

Scottish Leather Group; Bridge of Weir; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life assurance

Enhanced annual leave

Health and wellbeing programme

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle scheme

Free on-site parking

Retail discounts

Job summary

Scottish Leather Group is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive efficiency and stability across its fast-paced production environment. You’ll analyse processes, lead improvement projects, and support capital expenditure proposals to strengthen manufacturing capability.

You will collaborate with Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality Control teams to deliver sustainable solutions, develop the Production Support Team, and ensure changes are embedded across operations.

Qualifications

• You will be qualified to at least HND level in a Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline.
• You have a proven track record of delivering process improvements, Continuous Improvement initiatives, and cost reduction opportunities, with measurable operational benefits.
• You have experience analysing and validating processes and products using engineering studies, statistics, and data analysis software such as Minitab to support effective technical decision making.
• You have strong Root Cause Analysis and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify underlying issues and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• You have experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities, with knowledge of IQ, OQ, and PQ processes, alongside an understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles.
• You have experience scoping Capital Expenditure proposals and managing projects from concept through to implementation, with the ability to prioritise workloads and deliver results within tight timescales.
• You are a confident leader and communicator who builds strong relationships across Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality teams, while supporting and developing the capability of others.
• You are highly driven, proactive, and solutions-focused, with a can-do attitude, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering results that improve safety, quality, efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction

Responsibilities

• Analyse process and product performance using engineering studies, statistical analysis, and data-driven techniques to identify opportunities and improve process stability, capability, and quality
• Lead Root Cause Analysis and proactive problem-solving activities, identifying and addressing process, product, and equipment issues before they impact production performance
• Identify, scope, and lead Continuous Improvement projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, deliver cost savings, and strengthen overall manufacturing capability
• Support the design, development, installation, commissioning, and validation of new processes, systems, equipment, and manufacturing solutions
• Develop and implement sustainable engineering improvements, ensuring changes are effectively introduced, embedded, and maintained within production
• Support the development of capital expenditure proposals, evaluating investment opportunities and ensuring new equipment and processes align with business objectives
• Lead, support, and develop the Production Support Team, providing technical guidance, encouraging effective problem solving, and building engineering capability
• Work collaboratively with Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality Control teams to deliver improvement projects, strengthen operational performance, and achieve sustainable results

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Data analysis

Problem solving

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma knowledge

Industrial statistics

Project prioritisation

Systems installation validation

IQ/OQ/PQ experience

Education

HND in Science/Engineering/Manufacturing or related discipline

Tools

Minitab

Job description

As our Manufacturing Engineer, you'll play a key role in driving efficiency, stability, and performance across our fast-paced manufacturing environment. Combining engineering expertise, analytical thinking, and a proactive approach to problem solving, you'll maintain, develop, and optimise both new and existing processes to improve operational performance. Working closely across Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality Control, you'll identify opportunities, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and deliver sustainable improvements that enhance quality, productivity, and cost.

In this role you will:

• Analyse process and product performance using engineering studies, statistical analysis, and data-driven techniques to identify opportunities and improve process stability, capability, and quality
• Lead Root Cause Analysis and proactive problem-solving activities, identifying and addressing process, product, and equipment issues before they impact production performance
• Identify, scope, and lead Continuous Improvement projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, deliver cost savings, and strengthen overall manufacturing capability
• Support the design, development, installation, commissioning, and validation of new processes, systems, equipment, and manufacturing solutions
• Develop and implement sustainable engineering improvements, ensuring changes are effectively introduced, embedded, and maintained within production
• Support the development of capital expenditure proposals, evaluating investment opportunities and ensuring new equipment and processes align with business objectives
• Lead, support, and develop the Production Support Team, providing technical guidance, encouraging effective problem solving, and building engineering capability
• Work collaboratively with Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality Control teams to deliver improvement projects, strengthen operational performance, and achieve sustainable results

You're someone who sees opportunities to improve and takes ownership of turning them into practical solutions. You understand that high-performing manufacturing environments depend on stable processes, strong technical capability, and a culture of continuous improvement. You enjoy analysing problems, working with data, collaborating with others, and finding solutions that make a meaningful difference to day-to-day operations.

• You will be qualified to at least HND level in a Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline, with demonstrable experience working within a manufacturing environment
• You have a proven track record of delivering process improvements, Continuous Improvement initiatives, and cost reduction opportunities, with measurable operational benefits
• You have experience analysing and validating processes and products using engineering studies, statistics, and data analysis software such as Minitab to support effective technical decision making
• You have strong Root Cause Analysis and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify underlying issues and implement practical, sustainable solutions
• You have experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities, with knowledge of IQ, OQ, and PQ processes, alongside an understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles
• You have experience scoping Capital Expenditure proposals and managing projects from concept through to implementation, with the ability to prioritise workloads and deliver results within tight timescales
• You are a confident leader and communicator who builds strong relationships across Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality teams, while supporting and developing the capability of others
• You are highly driven, proactive, and solutions-focused, with a can-do attitude, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering results that improve safety, quality, efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction

The impact you will have:

You will play a key role in improving manufacturing performance by ensuring our processes are stable, capable, and continually evolving. Through your technical expertise and analytical approach, you'll identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen product and process performance, and prevent issues from impacting production.

Working closely with Production, Technical, Engineering, and Quality Control teams, you'll lead improvement initiatives and provide practical engineering solutions to complex manufacturing challenges. You'll support the introduction of new processes and equipment from design through to installation, commissioning, and validation, while developing the Production Support Team through leadership, coaching, and technical guidance.

Through collaboration, initiative, clear communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem solving, you'll help create a culture of continuous improvement where issues are addressed at their root and sustainable solutions are embedded. Your contribution will help strengthen engineering capability, operational performance, and long-term manufacturing excellence.

What’s in it for you:

You’ll benefit from a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and career development. This includes a company pension, life assurance, company sick pay, enhanced annual leave that increases with service, and access to a health and wellbeing programme alongside an Employee Assistance Programme with private GP services. You’ll also have opportunities to grow through coaching, training, and development support, plus practical perks such as cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes, free on-site parking, and access to a range of retail discounts.

We believe our strength comes from our people. We value diversity, encourage development, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.