Technical Manager

Jonathan Lee Recruitment; Coventry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Technical Manager in Coventry to take ownership of tooling and process development within the automotive manufacturing sector. The role requires strong fabrications experience, CAD/CAM knowledge, and leadership skills to solve complex challenges. Candidates with a hands-on approach and a firm understanding of production processes will thrive. Join a dynamic environment where you can influence technical decisions and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing practices.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and maturation of tooling for parts.
• Drive continuous improvement across production methods.
• Act as the technical authority for fabrication challenges.

Skills

Fabrication experience

CAD/CAM understanding

Tooling development

Problem-solving

Safety governance

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.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.