Engineering Manager

This is an opportunity for an experienced, hands-on engineering leader to take real ownership of product development within a growing and innovative machinery manufacturer.

The business designs and manufactures specialist equipment for the construction and plant machinery sector. Having developed rapidly, it is now looking for an Engineering Manager who can lead its engineering capability through the next stage of growth.

This is not a role where you will spend your entire week sitting behind a desk or managing from a distance.

You will remain actively involved in SolidWorks design, prototype development, machinery troubleshooting and the manufacturing process, while leading two capable engineers and working directly with the Managing Director.

What you will be responsible for

You will take ownership of the engineering and product-development function, including:

• Creating and managing a commercially focused R&D roadmap
• Taking new products from initial concept through SolidWorks design, prototype, testing and production
• Producing and overseeing manufacturing drawings, design packs and BOMs
• Improving existing products to reduce warranty issues and strengthen field reliability
• Troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical and mechanical machinery issues
• Working closely with Production to improve quality, reduce manufacturing costs and introduce leaner processes
• Reviewing designs for manufacturability, assembly and long-term serviceability
• Managing engineering priorities, projects and resources
• Leading, mentoring and developing two experienced engineers
• Strengthening design reviews, testing, documentation and change-control processes
• Working with suppliers and customers to develop practical technical solutions
• Becoming a trusted technical partner to the Managing Director

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical capability with practical leadership.

You should have:

• Significant experience designing and developing mechanical or electro-hydraulic machinery
• Strong 3D SolidWorks capability
• Very strong practical knowledge of hydraulic systems
• A working knowledge of electrical systems and controls
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings and BOMs
• Knowledge of steel fabrication, machining and design for manufacture
• Experience taking products from concept through prototype, testing and production
• Practical machinery troubleshooting and root-cause analysis experience
• Evidence of delivering cost, quality or lean manufacturing improvements
• Experience leading projects and directing, mentoring or managing engineers

A Mechanical Engineering degree would be beneficial, but it is not an absolute requirement. Relevant experience, practical ability and evidence of delivering successful products will be more important.

Direct construction-equipment experience would be advantageous, but we are open to candidates from other machinery and manufacturing sectors.

You may already be an Engineering Manager, or you could be a strong Lead, Principal or Senior Design Engineer who is ready to step into a broader leadership position.

What success will look like

During your first 12 months, you will have:

• Established a clear engineering and R&D roadmap
• Progressed priority products towards launch
• Improved product quality and reduced recurring warranty issues
• Delivered measurable manufacturing cost or efficiency improvements
• Strengthened engineering drawings, BOMs, testing and design controls
• Given the engineering team clearer priorities, ownership and leadership
• Earned the trust and authority to take greater ownership of technical decisions

Working hours

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30am–5:00pm
• Friday: 7:30am–2:00pm

This is a primarily site-based role because the successful person will be closely involved with prototypes, machinery, manufacturing and the wider production team.

If you are an experienced, practical engineering professional who enjoys turning ideas into reliable, commercially successful products, we would be keen to hear from you.