Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement Manager

The Opportunity 

Hutchinson Engineering is seeking an experienced, ambitious manufacturing professional to lead the next stage of our manufacturing development. This senior, hands-on role reports to the Operations Director and works closely with Production Management and the Technical Manager. 

You will drive process improvement, own new product introduction (NPI), lead a team of design engineers on DfM activity and a team of junior manufacturing technicians that you'll mentor and develop. It's a chance to make a visible impact on a growing, technology-focused business, including the development of advanced manufacturing cells and robotic welding. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Process Improvement 

• Lead a structured improvement programme across cutting, folding, fabrication, welding, assembly and finishing, targeting productivity, right-first-time quality and cost. 
• Analyse variance and defect data to prioritise actions, and work with Production to develop practical, sustainable solutions. 
• Standardise processes and ensure improvements are permanently embedded. 

New Product Introduction 

• Own NPI, embedding a proportionate PFMEA approach to pre-production planning. 
• Support equipment and technology selection, drive schedule adherence for DfM activity & first off builds. 
• Ensure safe, effective transfer into production. 
• Review new processes after launch to drive further optimisation and engage customers on DfM opportunities. 

Advanced Manufacturing & Automation 

• Develop selective automation suited to a high-mix, low-volume environment, including robotic welding and machine tending. 
• Track emerging technologies and propose investments with clear RoI. 
• Work with the Technical Manager and external integrators to ensure effective implementation of new manufacturing technology. 

Continuous Improvement Culture 

• Embed a practical CI culture focused on measurable gains in production flow, not Lean methodology for its own sake. 

Candidate Profile 

Essential 

• Significant manufacturing engineering or CI experience in a production environment, with a track record of measurable improvements. 
• Experience introducing new processes, equipment or technologies and leading projects from concept to implementation. 
• Strong practical process knowledge, structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills. 
• Solid grasp of manufacturing performance measures. 
• Experience coaching or developing less experienced technical staff. 
• Visible, hands-on, and people-focused leadership style  
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable at both strategic and shop-floor level. 

Desirable 

• Previous engineering or leadership role in a sheet metal cut, fold and fabrication environment. 
• Good understanding of advanced welding process controls (e.g. ISO 3834, ASME IX, AWS D1.1) 
• Experience scoping and implementing robotics 
• Experience developing a Lean manufacturing culture 
• Operating knowledge of ERP/MRP systems 

A degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronic or Industrial Engineering (or related) is advantageous, though substantial relevant experience will also be considered.