Manufacturing Innovation Manager

IO; Hurstpierpoint; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IO is seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Innovation Manager to drive the global technology roadmap for advanced production solutions. The role leads cross-functional teams to transform manufacturing capabilities across the worldwide factory network and deliver scalable innovations.

The candidate will shape the future of manufacturing by championing automation, digitalisation, and best-practice governance while maintaining safety and quality benchmarks across all activities.

Qualifications

• Lead tech-driven projects from concept to industrialisation in manufacturing.
• Experience managing multi-stream global initiatives with budget control.
• Engineering background in Mechanical or Industrial fields; postgrad PM helps.
• 10+ years in manufacturing transformation or related roles.
• Strong communication with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing tech partnerships with vendors and academia.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a global innovation roadmap for machining, automation, and digitalisation.
• Oversee a diverse global innovation team, aligning objectives and budgets across regions.
• Drive advancements in machining processes, robotic automation, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Establish and govern a structured innovation process from concept to serial production.
• Forge partnerships with vendors, academia, and industry networks to advance manufacturing tech.
• Define and maintain global manufacturing standards and knowledge sharing.
• Promote continuous improvement with a knowledge management system and capability building.

Skills

Tech leadership

Global programs

Mechanical/Industrial Eng

PM credentials

Executive communication

Education

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering degree

Postgraduate PM / Digital Manufacturing

Tools

SAP or similar ERP

MES / IIoT / Digital Twins

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Manufacturing Innovation Manager to join our client's dynamic team. This global leader operates within the manufacturing sector, specialising in advanced production solutions that shape the "Factory of the Future." Renowned for its innovative culture, commitment to growth, and emphasis on continuous improvement, Our Client provides a collaborative environment that champions technological advancement, employee development, and operational excellence.

This pivotal position has been created to support our client's ongoing transformation and innovation initiatives. As a key driver of change, the Senior Manufacturing Innovation Manager will play an instrumental role in developing and executing strategies that enhance manufacturing capabilities across the global factory network. This is an exciting opportunity for an influential leader to shape cutting-edge solutions and influence the future of manufacturing technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive global innovation and technology roadmap, focusing on machining, automation, and digitalisation.


• Oversee and coordinate a diverse global innovation team, setting clear objectives, managing resources effectively, and ensuring project delivery within scope and budget.


• Drive advancements within critical technology domains such as machining processes, robotic automation, and digital manufacturing tools.


• Establish, govern, and refine a structured innovation process, ensuring successful project governance and seamless transition into serial production.


• Scout emerging manufacturing technologies and build strategic partnerships with vendors, academic institutions, and industry networks.


• Define and maintain global manufacturing standards, fostering knowledge sharing and best-practice implementation across all operations.


• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement by developing a comprehensive knowledge management system and supporting capability building initiatives.


• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and process excellence benchmarks across all innovation and manufacturing activities.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven ability to lead technology-driven projects from concept through industrialisation within manufacturing environments.


• Extensive experience managing multi-stream global initiatives, demonstrating budget control, risk mitigation, and stakeholder influence.


• Strong background in engineering, with a preference for Mechanical or Industrial degrees; postgraduate qualifications or certifications in project management and digital manufacturing are advantageous.


• Minimum of 10 years' experience in manufacturing transformation, continuous improvement, or related roles.


• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams.


• Proficiency in managing technology partnerships, vendors, and academic collaborations to foster innovation.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 digital tools such as MES, IIoT, or digital twins.


• Experience working within international, multi-cultural manufacturing environments.


• Knowledge of enterprise systems such as SAP or similar platforms.

If you are passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing through innovation and possess the strategic vision and leadership capabilities required for this role, we invite you to submit your CV for consideration. Join our client to be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to technological excellence and continuous growth