Engineering Manager – Vehicle Development
Salary: Competitive + benefitsLocation: Thatcham, UK – Full Time| On-site
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Manager with Engineering to lead a team of engineers in designing and developing high-quality vehicle conversions. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for driving product innovation, ensuring engineering excellence, and supporting production efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
– New Product Design & Development – Lead and manage all aspects of the engineering department. – Maintain and update product design drawings, parts, sub-assemblies, and systems. – Support production during prototyping to optimise product design. – Ensure accurate timing, cost, and technical information is shared with Sales, Production, Stores, Accounts, and Purchasing. – Liaise with suppliers, providing technical guidance and quality standards. – Maintain the database of configurations, BOMs, and part numbers. – Coordinate Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) and ensure compliance with legislation. – Work with Production to streamline designs, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
In addition you will be involved in: – Leading vehicle development and production improvement projects. – Monitoring and reporting on performance, KPIs, and specific engineering initiatives. – Collaborating with Product Management to define standard builds, options, and training. – Ensuring compliance with ISO and COP standards across production activities. – Supporting Customer Care to investigate and resolve technical after-sales issues. – Proposing design changes based on warranty feedback. – Collaborating with QA on goods-in checks and resolve non-conforming parts.
Skills & Competencies
If you have hands-on experience in vehicle conversions, WAVs, or similar vehicle development that is a bonus BUT NOT essential. – Strong engineering background with production knowledge. – Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. – Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills. – High energy, proactive, and committed to continuous development. – Process instruction creation, document control, BOM generation & MRP. – Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, ISO9001, Lean Manufacturing, and VSM. – Knowledge of HSE and COSHH regulations. – Experience with NPI coordination and CAD software. – Excellent IT literacy and CAD expertise.
This will be an a critical position for the Engineering Manager taking ownership of all aspects of the engineering department and help grow the business.
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