Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Caterpillar; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead innovative projects in automated tool design and process optimization. This role involves collaborating with teams to enhance manufacturing systems and drive continuous improvement. The successful candidate will leverage advanced technologies and methodologies to ensure efficient operations while mentoring and developing staff. Join a dynamic team committed to building a sustainable future through cutting-edge manufacturing practices and a culture of support and development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Up to 12% Bonus

Private Employee Medical

Contributory pension scheme

Contributory share scheme

Optional flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in complex manufacturing operations and tooling.
• Experience in New Product Introduction and Advanced Product Quality Planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of automated tool design and manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate acquisition and installation of new machines and equipment.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Decision Making

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Processes

Team Building

Education

Technical or University Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Advanced Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAVE Technology

Plant Simulation Tools

ERP/SAP

Job description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don'tjust talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Salary: £55,516 - £65,925 - depending on experience

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave,

• Up to 12% Bonus

• Private Employee Medical

• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%

• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.

• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

About Caterpillar Peterlee

Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and a state-of-the-art paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.

The Opportunity
The Manufacturing Engineering Team at Caterpillar are responsible for end-to-end value stream planning and executing all aspects process design; for developing and implementing optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards; for recommending and implementing improvements to production processes, and coordinating manufacturing launches for new or revised products.

Effective collaboration is a key characteristic of the team to enable accelerated and concurrent New Product and Process Development whilst utilising the latest Virtual Development, Simulation and Validation Tools and Techniques utilising latest immersive CAVE Technology and Plant Simulation Tools.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to provide the technical leadership and expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement World Class Manufacturing Systems and Processes, complex manufacturing operations and sophisticated tooling and machinery. You will be an effective collaborator and coach to lead the effective planning and delivery of projects, be expected to continually innovate and learn to stay abreast of innovative technology, mentor and coach team members, whilst broadening your professional network.

What You Will Do:

• Assignments include leading development of modern automated tool design, assembly, manufacturing processing, cost estimating, manufacturing systems planning, layout, standards, releasing, etc. and requires the coordination of all disciplines.

• Leads New Product/Process Introduction Programs (following Advanced Product Quality Planning) utilising Virtual Product and Process Design, Development & Validation Processes and latest immersive CAVE Technology and Plant Simulation Tools.

• Support the provision of new/upgraded tooling, machines, and equipment to complete the operation for assigned Value Streams and through your team.

• Coordinates acquisition and installation of new machines, equipment and process changes to provide most efficient and economical manufacture or assembly of quality parts.

• Ensures optimum utilisation of equipment and space by coordinating the layout of areas such as production flow lines, product movement, material storage, assembly, and test equipment to accommodate the changing production requirements.

• Coordinates planning, release dates and availability of new machines and equipment and material to maintain schedules and satisfy demand.

• Coordinates capital projects for process enhancement and to improve customer satisfaction, conducting research and ensuring proper approvals. Keeps abreast of industry changes by attending product demonstrations and identifies ongoing improvements in processes and technologies to better serve customers.

• Responsible for expense budgets, capital forecasts and expenditures, and all personnel issues in the area including performance evaluations of subordinates. The position often confronts complex issues and problems that require careful analysis and diagnosis.

• Provides training, development, and motivation for a staff capable of completing objectives and implementing cost reduction projects and meeting requirements of the manufacturing, paint, assembly, and test process and following Caterpillar Leadership, Lean Leadership, Caterpillar Production System and 6 Sigma Training Program methodology.

• Establishes planned method via standard work and collaborates with manufacturing and support teams personnel to develop process documentation and/or resolve problems related to process, tooling, equipment, etc.

What You Will Have:

Degree Requirement
Technical or university degree in an appropriate Manufacturing Engineering related field is desired

Team working and team building skills: Ability to connect, engage and build strong working relationships and communicate with personnel at all levels.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Analytical ability as well as excellent communication (Written, verbal and presentation) skills essential.

Judgment and Decision Making: Knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
Level Extensive Experience:

Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the modern planning system, manufacturing operations, facilities, methods, and tooling required.

Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Proven track record in driving a continuous improvement mindset, seeking out process value and improving efficiencies within our processes.

Manufacturing Equipment: Knowledge of the electrical, mechanical and logistics equipment used in manufacturing; ability to safely operate, maintain, update and store them.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Proven Technical Leadership experience and responsibility for Major Capital Tooling, Machinery and Equipment Projects.

Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
Level Extensive Experience:

• Supervisory experience or equivalent formal leadership training and continued professional development within a technical focused role within Manufacturing Engineering.

Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work-related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.
Level Extensive Experience:

Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.
Level Working Knowledge:

Top Candidates may have some of the following:

• Advanced degree in an appropriate Manufacturing Engineering related field

• Previous experience in leading the implementation of New Product Introduction and Advance Product Quality Planning.

• Previous Lean Leadership and Lean Coaching Experience (factory & office based)

• Previous 6 Sigma experience (Black Belt/Green Belt)

• IOSH, NEBOSH General Certificate, University Certificate in Professional Development: European Machine Safety Requirements

• ERP/SAP (ME) Manufacturing Engineering Experience

• Previous experience in leading teams implementing Future Factory Technologies, Processes and Systems

Additional Information:

• Hours: Full Time - 36.50

• Travel: up to 5% to include Global

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI

Posting Dates:

April 27, 2025 - May 7, 2025

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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