Technical Manager

ASC Connections; Biggleswade; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ASC Connections is seeking a Technical Manager for a leading UK plastics manufacturer. You will shape engineering strategy, lead a technical team, and drive continuous improvement across moulding operations.

You will ensure ISO 9001 QMS compliance, lead APQP/PPAP activities, manage customer-facing technical issues, and champion Lean/Six Sigma to improve quality, cost, and delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience leading plastic injection moulding teams.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, APQP/PPAP.
• Structured problem solving (8D, Ishikawa).
• Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen approach to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a technical team with a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily moulding operations and ensure high-quality output.
• Manage ISO 9001–compliant QMS and APQP/PPAP activities.
• Drive new product introductions from tooling trials to production approval, ensuring manufacturability and customer satisfaction.
• Act as technical and quality lead for customers; drive 8D and timely issue resolution.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma projects to optimise cycle times, reduce scrap, and improve cost, quality, and delivery.

Skills

Technical leadership

Plastic injection moulding

Quality management

Lean Six Sigma

Customer relationships

Project management

Tools

CAD

Data interpretation

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