Technical Manager

Technical Manager

About the Role

My client are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Technical Manager to join the growing Precision Engineering SME based in Plymouth.

This is a varied and hands-on management role within a dynamic engineering environment. Reporting directly to the General Manager and working as part of a small management team, you will play a key role in supporting customers, production and the wider business.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, making decisions quickly and taking ownership across a broad range of technical, operational and commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare quotations and liaise directly with customers on technical and commercial requirements.

• Process customer orders and provide technical and operational support to production.

• Provide technical guidance on machining, welding, fabrication and general engineering requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.

• Support the sales function with technical input, customer enquiries and opportunities.

• Take ownership of specific customer accounts, developing strong and effective working relationships.

• Monitor and maintain quality standards across the business.

• Oversee and manage the company's ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ensuring ongoing compliance and continual improvement.

• Work closely with production to ensure customer requirements, quality standards and delivery expectations are met.

• Report directly to the General Manager and provide support across day-to-day business activities.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and overall business performance.

• Contribute as a key member of the management team, adapting to changing priorities within a fast-paced SME environment.

Experience & Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous technical and/or operational management experience within a precision engineering or manufacturing SME.

• A strong practical engineering background, ideally supported by a time-served apprenticeship in toolmaking, machining, welding or fabrication.

• An HNC in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering qualification.

• Strong knowledge of engineering processes and techniques, including machining, welding and fabrication, sufficient to confidently quote work, advise customers and support production.

• Experience or a good working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.

• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of how technical decisions impact business performance.

• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills.

• The ability to work effectively within a small management team while being comfortable taking ownership and working independently.

• A flexible and multidisciplinary approach, with a willingness to get involved wherever required.

• A dedicated, driven and reliable approach, with a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

PACKAGE

Location: Ivybridge
Hours: 39 hours per week

Monday–Thursday: 07:30–16:30

Friday: 07:30–12:30
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum, depending on experience

25 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing by 1 additional day per year up to a maximum of 27 days.

Annual performance-related bonus, based on company performance, with up to 20% achievable.