Manufacturing Engineering Manager

CNC Recruitment; Mere; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the UK is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to oversee the manufacturing process and lead the engineering team. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background, experience in CNC machinery, and the ability to drive operational improvements. This role offers a competitive salary and a permanent contract, with a focus on teamwork and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control all aspects of the manufacturing process.
• Ensure maintenance and reliability of production machinery.
• Motivate and support the manufacturing team.

Skills

Strong mechanical engineering background

Ability to operate and maintain various factory machinery

High level of organisational skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Solid understanding of CNC machinery

Ability to develop and lead focused teams

Education

HNC/HND or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering

Tools

Manufacturing systems such as ERP

Job description

CNC Recruitment are proud to work with a lead manufacturer who is recognised and awarded as an employer of choice delivering excellence within state of the art facilities who are currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join their team in Mere area.

Location: Mere
Pay Rate: £50,000 - £60,000

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Hours of Work: Monday – Thursday 8:00am–5:15pm, Friday 8:00am–4:15pm

Role Purpose

This is a hands‑on leadership role taking full responsibility for managing and controlling all aspects of the manufacturing process, including the effective use of operators, materials, equipment, and documentation to deliver manufacturing plans and meet performance targets. This includes maintaining up‑to‑date records of all KPIs, including operator and machine efficiencies, and taking timely action to address any shortfalls in performance.

You’ll take ownership of the maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our production machinery and factory infrastructure. As the driving force behind our Manufacturing and Engineering teams, you’ll provide both technical expertise and strategic vision, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations while also positioning the business for long‑term success.

Also responsible for upholding quality standards and ensuring full compliance with health and safety requirements across all manufacturing areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fully understanding the daily manufacturing plans and be able to action those plans accordingly through the machine technicians and operators as required, including the efficient movement of WIP through the building. Ensure all manufacturing activity is accurately recorded in ERP system.

Identify any downtime or other issues that may affect achieving the departmental objectives and plans. Communicate daily with the manufacturing leads and report any deviations to plan to internal stakeholders.

Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices in manufacturing, engineering and facilities management to enhance operational performance.

Ensure policies, procedures and training documents are suitable and up to date.

Motivate and support the team to achieve best performance and best manufacturing practices. Ensure team members are suitably trained. Mentor them in their development.

Provide good communication inside & outside the operational team on projects & activities.

Provide vision and leadership for engineering projects, driving innovation and continuous improvement

Ensure the effective maintenance and reliability of facility infrastructure, production machinery, and mechanical systems. Lead and support hands‑on problem‑solving in mechanical systems. Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical faults quickly to minimise downtime.

Develop relationships and liaise with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to address machine issues, ordering parts, and ensure effective communication with lead technicians throughout the process.

The role also includes responsibility for managing service contracts, managing effective supplier relationships, and ensuring the ongoing reliability and compliance of the facility infrastructure.

Oversee and manage tool room operations, including personnel, projects, and activities that support manufacturing.

Identify any capital equipment and investment relating to manufacturing, engineering and facilities.

Work closely with the Product Design Manager on the Hygiene range re‑engineering project, supporting product development, sampling, and innovation.

Work closely with the Management team on business strategy & development

Work with other departments to devise effective links with the Operational team

Skills and Attributes

(E = Essential, D = Desirable)

• Strong mechanical engineering background with hands‑on experience in troubleshooting and maintenance (E)
• Knowledge and ability to use manufacturing systems such as ERP with strong understanding of its importance in the business (D)
• Ability to operate and maintain various factory machinery (E)
• Practical understanding of facilities management and building maintenance (E)
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment (E)
• Ability to develop and lead focused teams (E)
• High level of organisational skills (E)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (E)
• Ability to project manage internal improvements and facility upgrades (D)
• Solid understanding of CNC machinery, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting (E)
• Develop and apply advanced technologies, Engineering principles, theories and ideas (D)
• Organised and able to work to deadlines (E)
• Strong written and verbal communication (E)
• Keen and willing to drive performance and improvements (E)
• Membership of an industry related professional body (D)
• Knowledge of PFMEA, Lean or Six sigma tools and techniques (D)
• Good planning & prioritising of activities

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering (or equivalent vocational qualification)
• Desirable: CAD/CAM experience, knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).