Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Job Description:

What does the role look like?

Were recruiting for a site Manufacturing Engineering leadership role that will lead the Manufacturing Engineering function for our Actuation HQ. In this role you will oversee advanced manufacturing strategy, industrialisation of new technologies and products, and development of a strong, capability-driven engineering team.

While aerospace experience is ideal, candidates from similarly complex, regulated, high-precision manufacturing environments are also welcomed. The focus is on driving reliability, manufacturability, and competitive advantage through technical excellence and disciplined execution.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

Advanced Manufacturing
•tShape and deliver the sites advanced manufacturing roadmap, including automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, non-conventional processes, and next-generation aerospace production technologies.
•tEvaluate and implement new equipment, techniques, and process innovations that enhance capability, repeatability, and cost competitiveness.
•tEmbed a data-led culture using real-time process monitoring, statistical control, and advanced analytics to improve yield and quality.

Industrialisation & New Product Introduction (NPI)
•tOwn the industrialisation strategy for new programmes, modifications, and design changes, ensuring robust manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
•tLead cross-functional readiness reviews, sign-off processes, and validation activities (PFMEAs, control plans, FAIR/AS9102 requirements).
•tCollaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to build designs, processes, and tooling that deliver right-first-time launch.
•tReduce development and ramp-up time by strengthening NPI frameworks, technology readiness assessments, and production readiness plans.

Team Leadership & Capability Development
•tLead and grow a high-performing Manufacturing Engineering team covering process engineering, automation, industrialisation, CI, and tooling.
•tSet and manage clear priorities across cost, quality, delivery, and capability development.
•tBuild future talent through structured development pathways, mentoring, succession planning, and skills uplift.
•tPromote rigorous problem-solving (8D, RCCA) and disciplined operating rhythms aligned to aerospace standards and customer expectations.

Operational Excellence & Compliance
•tOwn process stability and continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, flow, OEE, and scrap reduction.
•tEnsure alignment with aerospace regulations and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, customer-specific requirements).
•tOversee capital investment aligned to long-term aerospace programme requirements and technology competitiveness.
•tWork closely with Maintenance and Operations to maximise asset performance and embed robust process control.

Job Requirements:

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills:
•\tLeadership experience in Manufacturing Engineering within aerospace or a similarly complex, regulated sector (e.g., defence, automotive, precision engineering, high-value industrials).
•\tProven track record in automation, industrialisation, process optimisation, and large-scale production improvement.
•\tPrevious knowledge or experience of leading high performance teams

Desirable skills:
•\tDemonstrated success launching new products or technologies in a demanding engineering environment.
•\tDeep understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving.
•\tFamiliarity with aerospace standards (AS9100, FAIRs, PPAP/APQP equivalents, NADCAP) advantageous but not mandatory for top-tier candidates from other advanced sectors.
•\tExcellent cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
•\tStrategic thinker with a delivery mindset and high technical credibility.
•\tComfortable leading transformation and championing modern manufacturing technologies.
•\tStructured, analytical, and driven by continuous improvement.

Job Ident #: 167359

Company Details

Safran

2, Boulevard du General Martial Valin
Paris, Ile-De-France France, International 75724 International
www.safran-group.com

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Benefits:
TBD

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Job Info

Location

Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom

Type

Permanent

Company Details

Safran

2, Boulevard du General Martial Valin
Paris, Ile-De-France France, International 75724 International
www.safran-group.com