Resource Manager - Laser Processing

Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology hub in the UK is seeking an experienced Technology Manager for Laser Processing. This role involves managing a team of 30 engineers, overseeing laser machining projects across sectors like aerospace and energy, and developing advanced manufacturing solutions. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering, strong leadership skills, and experience in technical delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in resource planning and deployment across multiple projects.
• Ability to manage and lead a technical team, including setting objectives.
• Experience in fostering a positive team culture and promoting well-being.

Responsibilities

• Provide line management for the Laser Processing Team.
• Lead and contribute to the delivery of laser processing projects.
• Collaborate with partners to develop innovative solutions.

Skills

Resource planning

Team leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Project management

Training and development

Education

Degree or PhD in engineering, physics, materials science

Job description

The role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Technology Manager / Resource Manager to join the leadership team for Laser Processing at the MTC. This pivotal role combines technical leadership with people and resource management, providing leadership to 30 laser processing engineers and supporting the delivery of cutting‑edge laser machining projects across aerospace, defence, energy, and other high‑value manufacturing sectors.

As part of the Laser Processing Leadership Team, you will oversee the deployment and development of Laser Processing engineering talent, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of laser‑based manufacturing technologies. You will also contribute directly to technical delivery, shaping the future of laser processing capabilities at the MTC and collaborating with leading industrial and academic partners to develop advanced laser manufacturing solutions.

This role offers the opportunity to form part of the leadership team of an extremely high‑performing laser processing team and to contribute towards the strategic growth of the MTC's laser processing capability. You will also have scope to influence future research directions, working at the interface of applied research and industrial deployment.

Main Responsibilities

People & Resource Management

• Provide line management for the Laser Processing Team, fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Strategically deploy engineers across project portfolios to maximise impact and efficiency.
• Identify training needs and ensure all team members have clear Personal Development Plans.
• Drive strategic growth of laser processing capabilities, aligning technical roadmaps and future skills requirements to meet MTC objectives.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to support career progression and wellbeing.

Technical Leadership

• Lead and contribute to the delivery of laser processing projects (Advanced Machining, Surface Engineering, Welding/Joining), ensuring high‑quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners to develop innovative solutions and secure funding for both industrial and R&D programmes.
• Represent MTC externally at conferences, technical forums, and stakeholder meetings where necessary.

Person Specification

Essential Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Degree or PhD in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in resource planning and deployment across multiple projects, balancing technical priorities and team capacity.
• Ability to manage and lead a technical team, including setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, and supporting career development.
• Skilled in identifying training needs and creating Personal Development Plans tailored to individual and team growth.
• Experience in fostering a positive team culture, promoting wellbeing, and encouraging collaboration and innovation.
• Experience in people engagement, requirements capture, and building long‑term relationships.
• Capable of managing competing demands and adapting resource allocation to meet dynamic project requirements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, industrial clients, and academic collaborators.
• Confident in presenting technical content at conferences, customer meetings, and stakeholder forums.

Desirable Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Chartered Engineer (or working towards professional registration).
• Strong experience in laser processing processes such as advanced machining, surface engineering or welding/joining.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical delivery of complex projects, ensuring outputs meet customer requirements within time and budget.
• Deep understanding of laser‑material interactions and process fundamentals, with proven application in industrial or research settings.
• Experience in publishing technical research or securing patents.
• Understanding of the UK manufacturing sector, Catapult network, and UK/EU funding landscape.

Interview Process

Once you submit your application, this will be passed on to our Talent Acquisition team for review. If you are successfully shortlisted, the next steps will be a 2‑stage interview process.

Reference and Security Checks

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.