Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Copello are partnering with a defence engineering and technology company who are recruiting for an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join a growing engineering and technology organisation delivering complex electro-mechanical products. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys driving manufacturing excellence, leading high-performing teams, and playing a key role in new product introduction and continuous improvement. You'll be responsible for ensuring products are designed with manufacturability in mind, supporting efficient production from development through to manufacture, while leading initiatives that improve quality, cost, productivity, and delivery performance. The Role As Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering function, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), driving Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), and implementing Lean manufacturing principles across the business. Working closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain and other key stakeholders, you'll identify opportunities for improvement, resolve manufacturing challenges, and develop robust manufacturing processes that support business growth. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, providing technical guidance and people leadership. Drive New Product Introduction activities, ensuring products transition successfully into manufacture. Develop, optimise and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve quality and shorten lead times. Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the business. Lead problem-solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D, PFMEA and root cause analysis. Identify manufacturing risks, issues and improvement opportunities, escalating where appropriate. Support change control activities, ensuring manufacturing documentation remains accurate and up to date. Take ownership of Bills of Materials (BOMs), work instructions, testing procedures and manufacturing documentation. Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production and Customer Support teams to deliver successful projects. Support supplier improvement and manufacturing resilience initiatives. Ensure manufacturing facilities, equipment, layouts, training programmes and safety standards are maintained. Monitor project progress and communicate updates to stakeholders at all levels. What We're Looking For We're keen to speak with candidates who have: Previous experience leading a Manufacturing Engineering team within an engineering or manufacturing environment. Strong background in Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement and New Product Introduction. Experience reviewing engineering designs for manufacturability within an electro-mechanical environment. Proven experience delivering Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement projects. Knowledge of Continuous Improvement tools including PFMEA, 8D and root cause analysis. Experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple departments. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Previous experience within low to medium volume electro-mechanical manufacturing would be highly advantageous. Qualifications Degree qualified in Engineering or a related discipline (preferred). Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is advantageous. Project Management qualification or equivalent experience is desirable. Please note: Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC). For more information, contact Georgia on [phone removed], [email removed].