Process Engineering Manager

Process Engineering Manager

We are seeking a highly capable Process Engineering Manager to take ownership of engineering performance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment (machining experience highly desirable).

This is a pivotal, hands-on role for a Process Engineering Manager who thrives in fast-paced, high-output settings and is driven to make a tangible impact on production, reliability, and cost performance. This is not a traditional 9–5 position—this role demands presence, leadership, and accountability on the shop floor.

The Opportunity

As a Process Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in aligning engineering with operations, ensuring processes are robust, efficient, and scalable. You will lead from the front, embedding a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive optimisation of manufacturing processes to maximise efficiency, output, and quality 
• Act as a key engineering partner to operations, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity 
• Lead Continuous Improvement / World Class Manufacturing initiatives and cost reduction programmes 
• Develop and manage maintenance strategies, including both planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive response 
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-skilled engineering team, including apprentices and junior staff 
• Oversee CAPEX and OPEX budgets, ensuring effective investment and cost control 
• Champion and enforce robust health & safety standards across all engineering activities 
• Travel of up to 30% is required in this role

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Process Engineering Manager or in a similar senior engineering leadership role 
• Background in heavy industry or machining environments (non-food preferred) 
• Experience within large-scale or corporate manufacturing operations 
• Strong leadership capability with a proactive, results-driven mindset 

Technical Expertise

• CMMS systems and maintenance management 
• Working knowledge of PLCs and automation systems 
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and high-pressure steam systems 
• Root Cause Analysis tools (5 Why, Ishikawa, FMEA) 
• Permit to Work (PTW) systems 
• ERP systems such as Oracle 
• Strong grasp of KPIs, performance metrics, and operational efficiency drivers 

What You’ll Bring

• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to operate at pace 
• Strong mentoring and team development capability 
• The ability to work autonomously and respond effectively to operational challenges 
• A relentless focus on delivery, efficiency, and continuous improvement