Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Job Title: Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Samlesbury and/or Warton

Salary: Circa £90,000 base salary with bonus, car allowance and full BAE Systems benefits package

The Air Sector:

BAE Systems Air Sector is a powerhouse of innovation and excellence in the aerospace industry. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to safety, the Air Sector plays a pivotal role in delivering advanced aerospace and defence solutions.

With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, BAE Systems is at the forefront of developing next-generation aircraft, systems and technology that enhance operational capabilities while minimizing environmental impact.

Overview of the role:

Reporting to the Manufacturing Capability Director, you will inherit a direct operational team of c70 heads plus wider functional governance accountability for Air Manufacturing Engineering. You will enjoy complete strategic accountability over the design and delivery of long-term technology advancement strategies.

A key member of the Air Operations Manufacturing team, you will drive operational excellence and strategic transformation across all Air sector lines of business by leading and shaping a high-performing Manufacturing Engineering division.

What you'll be doing:

1. Influencing engineering design to ensure robust, effective and efficient manufacturing processes aligned to manufacturing production capabilities.
2. Overseeing that manufacturing capability and technology meet required design specifications.
3. Leading efforts to meet programme cost, schedule, and quality commitments through effective manufacturing engineering lead times deliverables.
4. Maintaining manufacturing engineering methods and controls that align with the qualifications and experience of the workforce.
5. Supporting the build line and drive continuous improvements in the manufacturing process.
6. Leading and managing the Manufacturing Engineering function, ensuring engineers qualify designs for production readiness.
7. Successfully deliver on programmes and delivery or engineering/manufacturing functional roles in major programmes.
8. Driving long term technology advancement via Factory of the Future while rapidly implementing low-cost automation.
9. Act strategically across functions to influence business outcomes directly and indirectly.
10. Acting as an effective decision-maker, operating with pace and a strong delivery mindset.

Your skills and experiences:

1. NC, HNC, or degree qualified in an appropriate technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
2. Inspiring leader focused on workforce development, engagement, safety, and wellbeing.
3. Proven experience in operational leadership, managing multiple teams in a unionised environment.
4. Expert in manufacturing investigations and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
5. Strong knowledge of industry-standard manufacturing tools, techniques, and high-rate production environments.
6. An understanding of what "good looks like" with regard to manufacturing tools, processes, technology and systems.
7. Ability to drive transformations, continuous improvement and cultural change in manufacturing.
8. Effective risk management and KPI utilisation to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
9. Strong customer focus with a track record of enhancing customer satisfaction.

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit.

Closing Date: 27th February 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.