Engineering Manager (Ref: 196802)

Engineering Manager (Manufacturing Transformation)

Loughborough (On-site)

Permanent

£80,000 - £85,000

Contact: simon.wilkinson@forsythbarnes.com

We’re partnering with a well-established manufacturing business entering a critical phase of transformation and they’re looking for an Engineering Manager to play a central role in shaping its future.

This is not a steady-state role.

It’s an opportunity to rebuild, modernise, and lead change within a live, high-demand production environment.

The Opportunity

You’ll take ownership of a site-wide engineering function that is:

• Transitioning from traditional manufacturing to digitalised operations
• Moving towards a more continuous (24/6 → 24/7) production model
• Requiring a step-change in structure, capability, and performance

You’ll be instrumental in:

• Rebuilding and developing the engineering team
• Implementing systems, processes, and structure
• Driving preventative maintenance and reducing downtime
• Leading the digitalisation of engineering and maintenance practices
• Reducing reliance on key individuals and embedding resilience

What We’re Looking For

Non-negotiable experience:

• Strong background in manufacturing engineering
• Proven leadership of maintenance/engineering teams in live production
• Solid multi-skilled knowledge:
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Pneumatics / Hydraulics
• Ability to challenge, support, and develop engineers technically

Highly desirable:

• Experience driving change or transformation
• Exposure to digitalisation, automation, or system improvements
• Track record of building or restructuring engineering functions
• Moving environments from reactive → proactive maintenance

The Type of Leader

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Hands-on and credible – not just a manager, but someone who understands the detail
• A problem-solver – comfortable walking into challenges and stabilising operations
• A change agent – able to move a team and function forward
• Resilient and committed – this isn’t a 9–5 role
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

What You Should Know

• This role requires flexibility and ownership – production runs 24/6 and will evolve further
• There will be out-of-hours responsibility when needed
• You’ll inherit a function that needs structure, direction, and uplift

In return, you’ll get genuine autonomy and impact—the chance to shape a department and leave a legacy

Why This Role?

If you’re an Engineering Manager who wants to:

• Move beyond maintenance into true transformation
• Build something rather than maintain it
• Be part of a business investing in change and improvement