Manufacturing Research and Development Manager

TN United Kingdom; Prestwick; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in aerostructures seeks a Manufacturing Research and Development Manager to lead innovative projects and manage a team. The role involves developing strategies for industrialization and collaborating with partners to drive efficiency and cost reduction. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and relevant engineering qualifications, with opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

37-hour workweek (half-day Friday)

Shift premiums up to 33%

Overtime at time and a half

33 days holiday per year, increasing with service

Annual bonus based on company performance

Defined contribution pension scheme (4% employee, 8% employer)

Virtual GP Service 365 days/year

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible benefits

Death in service payment (4x salary)

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of industrial technologies, especially in R&D environments.
• Experience managing R&D projects and teams.
• Proven ability to lead complex technology integration projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing and assembly industrialization strategies.
• Manage MR&D programs ensuring cost, quality, and schedule targets.
• Lead and develop a team of engineers, ensuring project quality and timeliness.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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Manufacturing Research and Development Manager, Prestwick

Client: Spirit AeroSystems

Location: Prestwick, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: a6acfd8a5209

Job Views: 3

Posted: 15.05.2025

Expiry Date: 29.06.2025

Job Description:

Overview

Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles, and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe.

Role Purpose

• Determine the strategy for Manufacturing Research & Development (MR&D) in conjunction with the Head of R&T and CTO, aligning with opportunities to reduce costs and enable new work packages.
• Build collaborations with partners and academic institutions to foster innovation and lower costs.
• Lead and manage a team of specialist professional engineers.

Position Details

Location: Prestwick, United Kingdom

Department: Research and Technology

Offers include:

• 37-hour workweek (half-day Friday)
• Shift premiums up to 33%
• Overtime at time and a half
• 33 days holiday per year, increasing with service
• Annual bonus based on company performance
• Defined contribution pension scheme (4% employee, 8% employer)
• Virtual GP Service 365 days/year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible benefits
• Death in service payment (4x salary)
• Professional development opportunities
• Free parking

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing and assembly industrialization strategies.
• Implement business strategies for industrialization.
• Build and lead a team of manufacturing and assembly specialists.
• Manage MR&D programs ensuring cost, quality, and schedule targets.
• Develop and lead bid proposals and relationships with supply chain partners.
• Ensure compliance with certification requirements.
• Research and adopt innovative industrialization techniques.
• Create cost analysis models for new business opportunities.
• Manage technical solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Lead and develop a team of engineers, ensuring project quality and timeliness.
• Ensure technical solutions align with product development and business strategies.
• Manage compliance with proprietary technologies and technology readiness levels.
• Collaborate with partners, technology providers, and academic institutions.
• Lead staff and manage related HR issues.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Desirable: MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of industrial technologies, especially in R&D environments.
• Experience in assembly techniques, cost analysis, MES systems, human factors, quality inspection.
• Understanding of design for manufacture and assembly.
• Experience managing R&D projects and teams.
• Proven ability to lead complex technology integration projects.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.

Decision-Making Authority

• Manage project plans, costs, and schedules with minimal oversight.
• Make business case decisions and justify to senior management.
• Order equipment and tooling within budget.
• Operate independently with strategic project plans.

Closing Date: Tuesday, 27th May at 12pm

External applicants must complete pre-employment checks including Right to Work, references, Disclosure Scotland, and medical assessments. Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer.