Project Lead - Contract

SC ENGINEERING; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm in Lancaster is seeking a proactive Project Lead for a contract position, focusing on mechanical engineering and operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee quality compliance, engage in cross-functional leadership, and implement continuous improvements. Required qualifications include a degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5-10 years of manufacturing experience. This role offers a competitive rate of £28-£33 per hour, with a 100% onsite working arrangement.

Qualifications

• 5 - 10 years hands-on experience in Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience participating in 2-3 audits for major certifications in an individual capacity.
• Green Belt certification in any Quality initiative is advantageous.
• Exposure to Aerospace or Automotive industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain quality standards and product compliance.
• Oversee operational support activities and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and present project updates.
• Drive cost reduction and operational efficiency improvements.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering expertise

Quality assurance expertise

Leadership skills

Process improvement capability

Data analysis skills

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Education

Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

7 QC tools

SPC techniques

Job description

Overview

Project Lead - Contract Position

Location: Lancaster, UK

Contract Duration: 12 Months

IR35 Status: Outside IR35

Working Arrangement: 100% Onsite

Rate: £28-£33 per hour

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and proactive Project Lead with a strong background in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure product and process compliance, and lead cross-functional project delivery within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role requires robust quality assurance expertise, process improvement capability, and strong leadership skills to support multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 5 - 10 years hands-on experience in Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience participating in 2-3 audits for major certifications in an individual capacity
• Green Belt certification in any Quality initiative is advantageous
• Strong knowledge of varied manufacturing processes
• Solid understanding of concessions, containment procedures, and traceability techniques
• Skilled in data collection and analysis using 7 QC tools and SPC techniques
• Experience with Lean principles and 5S management
• Exposure to the Aerospace or Automotive industry preferred
• Awareness of key quality standards including AS9100, OHSAS, TS 16949, and various ISO frameworks

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Compliance

• Establish and maintain quality standards and product compliance aligned with customer and regulatory expectations
• Review and interpret specifications, standards, and compliance requirements
• Support non-conformance investigations, applying structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, RCA)

Process & Project Leadership

• Develop, evaluate, and enhance workflows, operating procedures, and control documents
• Oversee operational support activities and troubleshoot technical issues
• Lead requirement gathering, project planning, execution, and closure for assigned initiatives
• Participate in weekly/monthly project reviews and contribute to effective risk management

Cross-functional Engagement

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, partners, and technical specialists
• Represent management in customer meetings, presenting operational KPIs and project updates
• Build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships

Continuous Improvement

• Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency improvements
• Lead improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes, products, equipment, and quality
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions using QC tools and SPC

Key Leadership Competencies & Soft Skills

• Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement
• Effective problem-solving and logical-thinking capabilities
• High level of proactivity and ownership