Manufacturing Engineering Team Lead

Company: WIKA Group
Apply for the Manufacturing Engineering Team Lead
Location: East Hagbourne
Job Description:

Responsibilities

  • Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
  • Define, validate, and optimise production processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and cost‑effectiveness.
  • Oversee process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plans for new or modified processes.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth product introduction.
  • Analyse production performance data and Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
  • Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
  • Support cost‑reduction programmes through process optimisation and waste elimination.
  • Lead LEAN transformation activities across the manufacturing area.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, root‑cause analysis sessions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving workshops.
  • Implement and sustain 5S practices, ensuring workplace organisation becomes part of daily culture.
  • Train and mentor teams in LEAN tools such as value stream mapping, SMED, visual management, and standard work.
  • Manage and develop the Manufacturing Engineering and Test Manufacturing Engineering teams.
  • Set clear priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with operational goals.
  • Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and Engineering and R&D teams to resolve issues and support daily operations.
  • Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
  • Ensure process documentation, work instructions, and configuration items are accurate and up to date.
  • Maintain compliance with the company’s quality management system and relevant industry standards.
  • Oversee ERP/MRP configuration related to manufacturing processes, routings, and BOM accuracy.
  • Support audits and drive corrective actions where required.

Qualifications

  • Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar).
  • Proven experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures.
  • Strong background in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and control plan creation.
  • Demonstrated success implementing LEAN methodologies, such as Kaizen, 5S and value stream mapping.
  • Track record of delivering measurable improvements in production efficiency, cycle time, yield etc.
  • Hands‑on experience in a live production environment.
  • Experience leading structured problem‑solving activities.
  • Competence in ERP/MRP systems, including configuration of routings, BOMs, and process data.
  • Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system).
  • Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO9001 and AS9100.
  • Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technicians, or significant project leadership demonstrating equivalent capability.
  • Experience of working with and processing optical fibres including splicing and joining.
  • Technical understanding and experience of manufacturing optical devices.

Benefits

  • Work‑life integration
  • Mobile working
  • Flexible working hours
  • Pension scheme
  • Good development opportunitiesEmployee discounts
  • Attractive remuneration system
  • Health initiatives

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Posted: May 30th, 2026