Manufacturing Engineering Manager - Chemical Processes & Surface Treatments

About the Opportunity

A global aerospace manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead its Chemical Processes and Surface Treatments Engineering team. This is a high-impact leadership role within a complex manufacturing environment supporting both commercial and defence aerospace programmes.

The organisation operates internationally across multiple manufacturing sites and supplies advanced aerospace structures,systems,and components to leading aircraft and engine manufacturers worldwide. With a strong focus on innovation,operational excellence,sustainability,and continuous improvement,the business offers significant opportunities for career development and progression.

The Role

Reporting into the manufacturing engineering function,you will lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately eight engineers responsible for supporting production and development programmes. The role focuses on driving process control,manufacturing capability,quality improvement,and productivity through the implementation of Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) principles and Lean methodologies.

You will be accountable for ensuring manufacturing processes are robust,compliant,and capable,while supporting new product introduction,production improvements,and strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with health,safety,and environmental requirements.
• Maintain and develop manufacturing processes and standards that meet customer,regulatory,and business requirements.
• Develop and implement technical solutions to complex manufacturing challenges.
• Deliver manufacturing systems that balance safety,quality,productivity,and commercial objectives.
• Lead engineering teams to achieve measurable performance improvements aligned with operational and programme targets.
• Drive capability development through training,mentoring,and career progression initiatives.
• Foster a culture of process control,continuous improvement,and Zero Defect Manufacturing.
• Oversee tooling implementation and production planning activities from concept through to full production.
• Support product development,cost estimation,configuration changes,first article activities,and industrialisation programmes.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders,customers,suppliers,and regulatory bodies.
• Lead Lean improvement initiatives to optimise manufacturing performance and reduce waste.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Engineering,ideally Chemical Engineering,Industrial Engineering,Manufacturing Engineering,or a related discipline.
• Strong manufacturing engineering background within a regulated industrial environment.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams delivering operational support and project execution.
• Experience managing new product introduction (NPI),industrialisation programmes,and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build effective working relationships across a complex organisation.
• Knowledge and practical application of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001,AS9100,or equivalent industry standards.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of aerospace or advanced manufacturing surface treatment processes,including:
• Anodising
• Conversion coating
• Passivation
• Painting
• Shot peening
• Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies.
• Internal or external auditor qualification.
• Knowledge of NADCAP-accredited processes.
• Understanding of heat treatment and metallurgy.
• Experience with chemical compliance regulations,incl