Manufacturing Engineering Manager (Six Sigma Black Belt), Cheshire | OFFERED - STARTING NOV 2025

Opex Selection; Noordwes; On-site; ZAR 1 817 000 - 1 931 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead critical engineering functions. Ideal candidates will have a Six Sigma Black Belt and proven leadership in a fast-paced FMCG environment. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, with opportunities for career growth and development.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus (up to 30%)

Excellent benefits

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing and developing engineering teams.
• Commitment to high productivity standards.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage a team to meet safety, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies aligned with company goals.

Skills

Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean manufacturing principles

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team development

Exceptional communication skills

Job description

Manufacturing Engineering Manager (Six Sigma Black Belt), Cheshire | OFFERED - STARTING NOV 2025

£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.