Head of Manufacturing

Sunswap Ltd.; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A clean-tech innovator in Leatherhead seeks a Head of Manufacturing to lead and develop a team of Manufacturing Engineers. You will drive strategic direction, optimize manufacturing processes, and ensure high-quality standards. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, strong team leadership experience, and proficiency in DFM principles. This role offers a chance to make an impactful contribution to sustainable transport refrigeration.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Sabbatical after 3 years

Free monthly lunches

Cycle to Work Scheme

Quarterly socials

Free counselling sessions

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering roles.
• Proven experience in team development and performance management.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise the manufacturing line for the Sunswap TRU.
• Implement strategies to drive manufacturing performance.
• Develop manufacturing processes and documentation for scaling.

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing optimization

DFM principles

Process development

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

3D CAD design

ERP systems

PLM systems

Job description

Sunswap is a clean-tech innovator, pioneering the world’s first fully electric, battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) — a true zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered systems. Our mission is to decarbonise the global cold chain, delivering sustainable solutions for the transport and logistics industry.

Since our founding in 2020, we have grown rapidly and secured key partnerships with industry leaders like Tesco and DFDS to bring our cutting-edge refrigeration technology to market. In 2024, we secured a £17.3 million investment to accelerate our mission and scale our impact.

Our achievements have earned significant recognition, including the 2024 Technological Breakthrough Award from the Cold Chain Federation and a place in The Sunday Times Best Companies 2024 list, celebrating our outstanding workplace culture. At Sunswap, we are united by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact.

• 30 days of annual leave (includes a Wellbeing Day)
• Sabbatical (after 3 years of working with Sunswap)
• 5 free counselling sessions per year
• Family leave ranging from 4 weeks to 4 months
• Free Monthly Lunches & Quarterly Socials!
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Sunswap merch

Job overview

As the Head of Manufacturing, you will lead and develop a high-performing team of Manufacturing Engineers, driving the strategic direction of Sunswap’s manufacturing function. This role places you at the heart of scaling our manufacturing operations as we expand. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to optimise manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the highest quality standards are met. Collaborating closely with the Production leadership team to address production bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and support the transition from engineering to full-scale production. Reporting to the COO, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our manufacturing capabilities and driving continuous improvement as Sunswap grows.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and optimise the manufacturing line for the Sunswap TRU.
• Partner with the COO to design and implement strategies that drive manufacturing performance and support the scaling of production.
• Manage and develop a team of Manufacturing Engineers, promoting collaboration and growth.
• Collaborate closely with the Production Manager to ensure smooth handover of processes, provide technical support, and resolve issues affecting quality or efficiency.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to ensure scalable and cost-effective production.
• Oversee production verification, ensuring quality and process stability.
• Develop manufacturing processes and documentation to support scaling production.
• Maintain Process FMEA, control plans, quality plans, and assembly instructions.
• Ensure End of Line (EOL) testing and quality assurance meet targets.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality issues.
• Collaborate with teams and suppliers to define tooling, jigs, fixtures, and packaging.
• Support production planning, materials delivery, and performance monitoring.
• Travel to suppliers and partners as needed for tooling, audits, and process reviews.

Qualifications & experience

• A degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent industry experience in a production environment.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering roles, including recent leadership experience managing a technical team.
• Proven experience in team development and performance management across a variety of competencies.
• Strong knowledge and application of DFM principles.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of manufacturing processes (e.g. casting, machining, moulding, assembly, fabrications) and associated quality/measurement techniques.
• Expertise in process development, industrialisation, and equipment design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design and technical drawing review, with experience collaborating with suppliers on design-for-manufacture improvements.
• Good understanding of requirements definition, product validation, and verification methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in low-to-medium volume production environments.
• Experience leading or supporting capital projects in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems and their role in production control and traceability.

Apply for this role

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help shape the future of transport refrigeration.