Technical Manager

Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd; Bedworth Hill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is searching for a Technical Manager in Coventry to lead tooling and process development in an automotive manufacturing environment. This role requires ownership of technical decisions and the ability to translate complex engineering drawings into practical fabrication processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in fabrication, a deep understanding of CAD/CAM, and proven tooling development expertise. This position offers significant influence in shaping production success.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in a fabrication-based manufacturing environment, ideally automotive.
• Deep understanding of CAD/CAM and fabrication processes.
• Proven experience in tooling development and DFM.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, manufacture, trial and maturation of tooling.
• Own DFM input across prototype and production.
• Drive continuous improvement across tooling.

Skills

Experience in fabrication‑based manufacturing

Understanding of CAD/CAM

Proven experience in tooling development

Confidence interpreting technical drawings

Problem-solving capability

Leadership style

Job description

Most fabrication businesses don't struggle because of capability on the shopfloor - they struggle because tooling, DFM and process decisions are fragmented, reactive, or sit between functions. This role exists to fix that.

This is an opportunity to step into a Technical Manager position within an automotive manufacturing environment where you will act as the technical authority. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll take full ownership of tooling, process development and technical decision-making - shaping how parts move from concept to robust production.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design, manufacture, trial and maturation of tooling for new and existing parts
• Own Design for Manufacture (DFM) input across prototype and production to ensure efficiency, repeatability and right-first-time outcomes
• Translate complex engineering drawings into robust, practical fabrication processes
• Drive continuous improvement across tooling, fixtures and production methods
• Act as the go-to technical authority for complex fabrication and assembly challenges
• Apply expert knowledge of MIG, TIG and spot welding to support troubleshooting and process optimisation
• Develop new weld and 5-axis fixtures to support new product introduction
• Oversee additive‑manufactured checking fixtures and gauging solutions
• Ensure all technical activity meets HSE standards and best practice
• Identify and recommend investment in new plant, tooling and technology to support future growth

What You Will Bring

• Strong experience in a fabrication‑based manufacturing environment, ideally automotive
• Deep understanding of CAD/CAM and fabrication processes including pressing, 3‑ & 5‑axis laser cutting, brake press, welding and metal finishing
• Proven experience in tooling development, DFM and prototype maturation
• Confidence interpreting complex technical drawings and engineering schematics
• A hands‑on, solution‑focused leadership style with strong problem‑solving capability
• High standards around safety, quality and technical governance

In this role, you won't be firefighting or rubber‑stamping decisions made elsewhere. You'll own the technical direction of the business - ensuring tooling is mature, processes are robust, and production is set up for long‑term success.

Location

Coventry - within a well‑established automotive manufacturing environment, working closely with production, engineering and quality teams.

Interested?

If you're a technically strong, hands‑on leader who wants genuine ownership and influence rather than a narrow support role, this is worth a conversation.

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