Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in injection moulding to lead production, tooling management, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires hands-on technical expertise in moulding processes, tooling maintenance, lean manufacturing, and production efficiency. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and ensure high-quality manufacturing standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing & Production Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the moulding production team, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
• Lead and develop the team, handling training, performance management, and health & safety compliance.
• Work closely with senior management to execute mouldshop improvement plans and optimize production flow.
• Identify and resolve process bottlenecks, implementing solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Champion lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction) to drive continuous improvement.

Tooling & Process Optimization

• Manage mould tooling maintenance, servicing, and repairs, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Liaise with external tooling suppliers for new tools, modifications, and repairs.
• Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to optimize tooling and component design.
• Ensure timely delivery of tools, coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Improve cycle times, machine settings, and process parameters to achieve consistent quality and efficiency.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all production processes meet ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
• Work closely with the Quality and Health & Safety teams to maintain compliance with industry regulations.
• Monitor and reduce scrap rates, defects, and process variability through structured problem-solving techniques.
• Support environmental sustainability targets and waste reduction programs.

Project Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support new product introduction (NPI) projects, working on tooling design, validation, and trials.
• Implement automation and process improvements to increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality.
• Ensure production deadlines are met while maintaining flexibility for urgent customer demands.

Customer & Supplier Relations

• Act as the primary technical contact for customer tooling inquiries and technical discussions.
• Manage tooling and production expectations with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Travel to customer sites when necessary to support project requirements and resolve issues.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Experience:

• Degree or time-served experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Toolmaking, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in injection moulding tooling management and/or manufacturing engineering.
• Proven leadership experience within an injection moulding or plastics manufacturing environment.

Technical Skills:

• Strong expertise in injection mould tooling, toolmaking, and plastics processing.
• Proficiency in CAD software for tooling design and analysis.
• Knowledge of robotics, automation, and lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting moulding defects and optimizing cycle times.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation is an advantage.