Manufacturing Engineer

Headturner Search; Ledbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Headturner Search is partnering with a well‑established manufacturer in Ledbury to appoint a Manufacturing Engineer. This broad, hands‑on role will own processes and drive improvements across production, planning, procurement, warehouse and continuous improvement on the factory floor.

You will develop and improve manufacturing methods, SOPs and work instructions, support problem solving, and use data to identify opportunities for productivity gains and better equipment utilisation.

Qualifications

• Engineering or operations-related qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, BOMs, routings or manufacturing data.
• Practical Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Ability to work across multiple operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and improving manufacturing methods, processes and standards.
• Developing SOPs, work instructions and standardised ways of working.
• Supporting production teams with technical problem solving.
• Improving labour productivity, machine utilisation and manufacturing performance.
• Reviewing machinery capability, reliability and future equipment requirements.
• Using operational data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Supporting root cause analysis, corrective actions and mistake-proofing.
• Improving factory layouts, workflow, material movement and warehouse processes.
• Supporting Lean, 5S and Continuous Improvement activity.
• Maintaining accurate ERP manufacturing data, including BOMs and routings.
• Supporting automation, machinery and capital improvement projects.
• Leading the operational introduction of new products into manufacture.
• Supporting production trials and ensuring new products are ready for full production.
• Contributing to longer-term manufacturing, automation and factory development plans.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing processes

NPI understanding

Education

Engineering qualification or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

BOMs & routings

Job description

We are exclusively representing a well-established and growing business in Ledbury in the appointment of a Manufacturing Engineer.

This is a key hire for the business and a broad, hands‑on manufacturing role with genuine scope to influence how the operation develops. Working closely across Production, Planning, Procurement, Warehouse and Continuous Improvement, you will take ownership of manufacturing processes and help improve productivity, quality, equipment capability and overall operational performance.

The role would suit someone who enjoys being close to the manufacturing environment - identifying problems, improving processes and turning ideas into practical improvements on the factory floor.

The role

You will be responsible for developing and improving manufacturing processes across the operation, including:

• Reviewing and improving manufacturing methods, processes and standards
• Developing SOPs, work instructions and standardised ways of working
• Supporting production teams with technical problem solving
• Improving labour productivity, machine utilisation and manufacturing performance
• Reviewing machinery capability, reliability and future equipment requirements
• Using operational data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Supporting root cause analysis, corrective actions and mistake-proofing
• Improving factory layouts, workflow, material movement and warehouse processes
• Supporting Lean, 5S and Continuous Improvement activity
• Maintaining accurate ERP manufacturing data, including BOMs and routings
• Supporting automation, machinery and capital improvement projects
• Leading the operational introduction of new products into manufacture
• Supporting production trials and ensuring new products are ready for full production
• Contributing to longer‑term manufacturing, automation and factory development plans

About you

We are looking for someone with practical manufacturing experience who is comfortable taking ownership and driving improvement.

You are likely to have:

• An engineering, manufacturing or operations-related qualification or equivalent practical experience
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production environments
• Experience working with manufacturing machinery and equipment
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, BOMs, routings or manufacturing data
• Practical Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience
• Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis skills
• Experience improving productivity, workflow, factory layout or material flow
• An understanding of New Product Introduction within a manufacturing environment
• The ability to work effectively across multiple operational teams
• A practical, hands‑on approach with the confidence to challenge existing processes and implement change

Experience with automation, machinery improvement or Industry 4.0 would also be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a varied Manufacturing Engineering position where they can have a tangible impact across production, machinery, systems, warehouse operations and future manufacturing capability.