Manufacturing Engineering Manager (Six Sigma Black Belt), Cheshire | OFFERED - STARTING JAN 2026

Opex Selection; Noordwes; On-site; ZAR 1 801 000 - 1 915 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager with a Six Sigma Black Belt to oversee operational excellence in a dynamic environment. The successful candidate will lead a team in driving continuous improvement initiatives and enhancing engineering capabilities. This role requires proven leadership experience and expertise in Lean manufacturing principles. Join a company poised for significant automation investments and make a tangible impact on its future growth.

Benefits

Car Allowance

Bonus up to 30%

Excellent Benefits

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in a leadership role managing engineering teams.
• Exceptional business acumen with strategic planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence through the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee departmental efficiency ensuring output meets targets.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of engineers.

Skills

Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Lean manufacturing principles

Leadership and team development

Operational excellence

Strategic mindset

Job description

Manufacturing Engineering Manager (Six Sigma Black Belt), Cheshire | OFFERED - STARTING JAN 2026

£80,000 - £85,000 (dep. on exp.) + Car Allowance + Bonus (up to 30%) + Excellent Benefits + Relocati

Cheshire

Are you a highly driven and experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager ready to lead a critical function within a dynamic FMCG manufacturing site? Do you possess a Six Sigma Black Belt and a proven track record of delivering significant improvements in fast-paced, demanding environments? If so, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a profitable and expanding company, part of a larger European group, as they embark on a substantial 5-year automation investment journey.

Our client's Cheshire site, with approximately 150 employees, is at a mid-level maturity in its Lean/Six Sigma journey. They are seeking a visionary leader who can champion their continuous improvement initiatives and elevate their engineering capabilities to new heights. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their manufacturing operations.

The Role

As Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and leading a talented team. You will directly manage a Lead Engineer, Project Manager, and Continuous Improvement Coordinator, working closely alongside the Production Manager to achieve their ambitious goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Continuous Improvement:
  • Develop and implement a robust engineering strategy that aligns with overall company goals, driving a continuous improvement agenda through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Champion change initiatives, identify opportunities for operational enhancements, and ensure the consistent application of best-in-class engineering standards.
  • Actively support the entire business sales and operations planning process, ensuring engineering contributions are seamlessly integrated.
• Operational Excellence & Performance:
  • Oversee departmental efficiency and functional performance, ensuring all outputs meet or exceed targets in areas such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, cash, EVA growth, and service.
  • Drive initiatives to significantly reduce set-up times and optimize manufacturing processes for maximum productivity.
  • Maintain and exceed internal and external customer satisfaction through a relentless focus on quality and efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Take ownership of personal development plans for all staff, providing coaching and support to enhance capabilities and ensure robust succession planning.
• Recognize and reward influential ideas from all levels of the organization, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnership:
  • Identify, initiate, and nurture strategic partnerships, both internally (across the site and within the wider Group) and externally, to secure appropriate resources and flexibility for business objectives.
  • Effectively manage relationships with key customers and suppliers to ensure seamless operations and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate closely with sister companies within the Group to share best practices, deliver joint solutions, and develop collective capabilities.

What You'll Bring

• A strong engineering background gained within a demanding and fast-paced manufacturing environment, ideally within FMCG.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is essential.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, managing and developing engineering teams.
• Demonstrable expertise in Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional business acumen and a strategic mindset with the ability to translate goals into actionable plans.
• A commitment to high standards of productivity and a keen awareness of company goals.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.

Why Join Our Client?

This is an exciting time to join their team in Cheshire. You will be part of a forward-thinking, profitable organisation with significant investment planned for automation, offering you the chance to make a tangible impact and shape their future. They offer a challenging yet rewarding environment where your expertise will be valued and your career growth supported.

If you are a driven and ambitious Manufacturing Engineering Manager ready to take on this critical role, we encourage you to apply.