Technical Manager

GMP Recruitment Ltd; Dudley; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK manufacturer is seeking a Technical Manager to oversee the development of friction materials and brake lining products. This full-time, permanent position is site-based in Dudley and offers a competitive salary of up to £45,000 annually, depending on experience. The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering leadership, with knowledge in tribology and friction material chemistry. Responsibilities include product development, technical support, and managing a team to ensure product quality and compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a technical or engineering leadership role in a manufacturing environment (minimum 4 years).
• Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience with product testing and formulation.
• Knowledge of friction materials, tribology, or brake lining technologies is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and improvement of friction materials and brake lining products.
• Oversee formulation changes, testing protocols, and performance analysis.
• Drive new product development aligned with market and customer demands.

Skills

Technical leadership in manufacturing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Job description

GMP Recruitment are proud to be in partnership with a specialist UK manufacturer of friction materials based in Birmingham, who supply high-quality, niche products to a global customer base. We are currently recruiting on their behalf for a Technical Manager to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis.

This position is site-based and is offering a competitive salary of up to £45,000 per annum, dependant on experience.

Our client operates a diverse and complex manufacturing facility involving wet impregnation of multi-ply textiles, dry chemical mixing, pressing, roll-forming, machining, and bonding. With a customer base spanning 70 countries and over 200 active clients, they require a technically proficient engineering leader with an understanding of tribology, friction material chemistry, and the industrial applications of brake linings.

Technical Manager Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and improvement of friction materials and brake lining products.
• Oversee formulation changes, testing protocols, and performance analysis.
• Drive new product development aligned with market and customer demands.
• Manage intellectual property.
• Provide technical support to customers and internal departments.
• Assist with application engineering, including brake performance analysis and custom solutions.
• Act as a technical liaison for OEM and aftermarket clients.
• Ensure all products comply with UK, EU, and international standards (e.g., REACH, Conflict Minerals, ATEX).
• Manage Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Remain up to date with legislation and industry developments affecting friction materials.
• Manage in-house laboratory resources, including physical and chemical testing of friction materials.
• Interpret data and provide technical reports and recommendations.
• Manage a small team of technicians and lab staff.
• Work closely with production, quality assurance, sales, and procurement teams to ensure product quality and technical consistency.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, lean processes, and technical excellence.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, raw materials, and testing methods.

Technical Manager required skills and experience

• Proven experience in a technical or engineering leadership role in a manufacturing environment. Minimum of 4 Years
• Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline desirable.
• Knowledge of friction materials, tribology, or brake lining technologies would be an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and hands-on experience with product testing and formulation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

AN IMMEDIATE START IS AVAILABLE FOR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE.

If the above role sounds perfect for you, or you require more information, please click apply.