Technical Manager

Willcox Matthews Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 20%

Holiday entitlement increases by one a

Company share scheme coming soon.

12:30pm finish Friday

Job summary

Willcox Matthews Ltd is seeking a Technical Manager for its precision engineering operations. You’ll lead a small team, balance technical leadership with commercial acumen, and ensure customer requirements are met with quality and efficiency.

The role focuses on quotations, production support, and maintaining ISO 9001 standards while driving lean improvements and 5S in a small SME environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in engineering SME management and customer-facing roles.
• Practical knowledge of machining, welding and fabrication.
• Ability to quote accurately, advise customers and guide production.
• Understanding of ISO 9001, lean manufacturing and 5S.
• Time-served apprenticeship is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quotations and advise customers.
• Process orders and support production.
• Manage key customer accounts and support sales.
• Maintain quality standards and oversee ISO 9001 compliance.
• Improve processes through lean manufacturing and 5S.
• Support the General Manager with day-to-day business activities.

Skills

Machining knowledge

Welding

Fabrication

Quotation skills

Customer advisory

Lean manufacturing

5S

ISO 9001

Education

HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Apprenticeship in toolmaking/ Machining/ Welding/ Fabrication

Job description

Technical Manager – Precision Engineering

Monday–Friday | Early finish on Fridays

Are you an experienced Technical Manager or Engineering Operations Manager with a background in precision engineering, machining, welding or fabrication?

Salary and benefits

• Annual bonus of up to 20%, subject to company performance.
• Holiday entitlement increases by one day per year, up to 27 days.
• Company share scheme coming soon.
• 12:30pm finish every Friday.

The role

Working within a small management team, you’ll combine technical knowledge with commercial awareness to support daily operations and customer requirements.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing quotations and advising customers.
• Processing orders and supporting production.
• Managing key customer accounts and supporting sales.
• Maintaining quality standards and overseeing ISO 9001 compliance.
• Improving processes through lean manufacturing and 5S.
• Supporting the General Manager with day-to-day business activities.

What you’ll bring

• Technical or operational management experience within an engineering SME.
• Practical knowledge of machining, welding and fabrication.
• The ability to quote accurately, advise customers and guide production.
• An HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• An understanding of ISO 9001, lean manufacturing and 5S.
• Commercial awareness and a flexible approach to working in a small team.

A time-served apprenticeship in toolmaking, machining, welding or fabrication would be advantageous.

Working hours

39 hours per week:

• Monday–Thursday: 7:30am–4:30pm.
• Friday: 7:30am–12:30pm.

Applicants must be eligible to work and live in the UK.