Technical Manager

ASC Connections; Baldock; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ASC Connections is recruiting a Technical Manager for a leading UK plastics manufacturer. You will shape engineering strategy, oversee technical operations, and lead a skilled team in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.

You will drive ISO 9001 QMS, APQP/PPAP, new product introductions from tooling to production, and act as the customer-facing technical and quality lead. Strong leadership in plastic injection moulding and Lean/Six Sigma is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of technical teams in plastics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of tooling, materials, moulding processes.
• Experience with structured problem-solving methods (8D, Ishikawa).
• Able to manage customer relationships and lead cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a technical team to foster accountability and improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day moulding operations, ensure stable processes and output.
• Manage ISO 9001-compliant QMS and APQP/PPAP activities.
• Drive new product introductions from tooling trials to production approval.
• Act as technical and quality lead for customers and resolve issues using structured problem-solving.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and cost.

Skills

Technical leadership

Plastic injection moulding

Tooling & materials

Structured problem-solving

Customer relationship mgmt

Cross-functional project mgmt

CAD data interpretation

Tools

CAD

Job description

Step into a pivotal leadership role with a well-established UK manufacturer of high-quality plastic injection-moulded components. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Manager to shape engineering strategy, drive continuous improvement, and lead a skilled technical team within a fast-paced, solutions-focused environment.

As Technical Manager, you'll oversee daily technical operations, drive quality excellence, and act as a key customer-facing lead for both technical and quality matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a skilled technical team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day moulding operations, ensuring stable processes, optimal machine performance, and high-quality output.
• Manage and enhance the ISO 9001-compliant QMS, leading APQP/PPAP activities and ensuring all documentation is maintained to automotive standards.
• Drive new product introductions-from tooling trials through to full production approval-ensuring manufacturability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Act as the technical and quality lead for customers, driving structured problem-solving (8D, Ishikawa) and ensuring timely issue resolution.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma, Kaizen) to optimise cycle times, reduce scrap, and improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven technical leadership experience within plastic injection moulding.
• Strong understanding of tooling, materials, moulding processes, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Confident managing customer relationships and leading cross-functional technical projects.
• CAD/data-interpretation skills beneficial.

If you thrive on solving complex challenges, delivering customer-focused technical solutions, and elevating manufacturing standards, this role offers the autonomy, visibility, and impact you're looking for.

We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity