Manufacturing Engineering Manager

WIKA Instruments Ltd; Chilton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WIKA Instruments Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the industrialisation of tooling, fixtures and manufacturing processes, ensuring repeatability, quality and cost‑effectiveness.

You will partner with Engineering and R&D to guarantee manufacturability, manage tooling lifecycle, analyse performance data, and drive LEAN improvements across the manufacturing area to deliver sustained productivity gains.

Qualifications

• Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling and fixtures.
• Strong background in PFMEA, process validation and control plans.
• Experience implementing LEAN methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping).
• Track record of improving production efficiency and reducing cycle times.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures and processes.
• Define and optimise production processes for repeatability, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee PFMEAs, control plans and process capability studies.
• Collaborate with Engineering and R&D to ensure manufacturability.
• Manage tooling lifecycle from spec through end-of-life.
• Drive throughput improvements and reduce waste using LEAN tools.
• Mentor and develop Manufacturing Engineering teams.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

PFMEA

Value stream mapping

Kaizen

5S

ERP/MRP

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial engineering

Tools

D365 Finance and Operations

Job description

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Company Overview:

For over 75 years, WIKA has been a renowned partner and competent specialist for any task in the field of measurement technology. With steadily growing efficiency, innovative technologies are applied when developing new products and system solutions. The reliability of the products and the readiness to face all challenges of the market have been the key factors for WIKA achieving a leading position in the global market.

Within the WIKA Group, currently 11,200 employees are dedicated to maintain and improve technology in pressure, temperature, force and level measurement, and also in the fields of flow measurement, calibration and SF6 gas solutions.

WIKA Optical Sensing Ltd, previously known as Oxsensis, was acquired by WIKA in 2023 and brings expertise in optical sensing technology, particularly for pressure and temperature measurement.

Your Activities:

• Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
• Define, validate, and optimise production processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Oversee process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plans for new or modified processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth product introduction.
• Manage tooling lifecycle: specification, procurement, commissioning, maintenance & calibration strategy & delivery, and end‑of‑life planning.
• Analyse production performance data and Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
• Support cost‑reduction programmes through process optimisation and waste elimination.
• Lead LEAN transformation activities across the manufacturing area.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, root‑cause analysis sessions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving workshops.
• Implement and sustain 5S practices, ensuring workplace organisation becomes part of daily culture.
• Train and mentor teams in LEAN tools such as value stream mapping, SMED, visual management, and standard work.
• Manage and develop the Manufacturing Engineering and Test Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Set clear priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with operational goals.
• Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and Engineering and R&D teams to resolve issues and support daily operations.
• Ensure process documentation, work instructions, and configuration items are accurate and up to date.
• Oversee ERP/MRP configuration related to manufacturing processes, routings, and BOM accuracy.

Your Profile:

Essential Experience:

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar).
• Proven experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures.
• Strong background in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and control plan creation.
• Demonstrated success implementing LEAN methodologies, such as Kaizen, 5S and value stream mapping.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in production efficiency, cycle time, yield etc.
• Hands‑on experience in a live production environment.
• Experience leading structured problem‑solving activities.
• Competence in ERP/MRP systems, including configuration of routings, BOMs, and process data.

Desirable:

• Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system).
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO9001 and AS9100.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technicians, or significant project leadership demonstrating equivalent capability.
• Experience of working with and processing optical fibres including splicing and joining.
• Technical understanding and experience of manufacturing optical devices.