Head of Production & Manufacturing Engineering

Britten-Norman Group; Brighstone; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Head of Production & Manufacturing Engineering to lead and develop engineering teams, ensuring efficient high-quality manufacturing processes. The role involves monitoring compliance with regulation and standards in a complex environment. Candidates must have strong problem-solving abilities and expertise in aerospace manufacturing. Benefits include 36 annual leave days, a contributory pension scheme, and private healthcare.

Benefits

36 annual leave days

Contributory pension scheme

Private healthcare scheme

Dental and optical cover

Health screening

Qualifications

• Experience in Production Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of aircraft manufacturing, assembly, structures, or systems installation.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and support live production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production engineering and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Monitor and improve key metrics like delivery performance and quality.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Aerospace Manufacturing

Problem-Solving

Regulatory Compliance

Job description

Head of Production & Manufacturing Engineering

Department: Production Engineering

Employment Type: Full Timeҵаарадырജ

Location: Bembridge

Description

• Employment type: Permanent
• Salary: £55,000 - £70,000
• Standard Hours: Flexible start / 40 hours per week
• Location: Bembridge, Isle of Wight

ചെയ്തത്

The Production & Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading production engineering and manufacturing engineering activities in support of Britten‑Norman’s aircraft manufacturing and modification operations. The role ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and high‑quality manufacturing processes across aircraft assembly, structures, systems installation, and component manufacture. It combines hands‑on engineering leadership with team management to support production delivery, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance within a low‑volume, high‑complexity aerospace environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop Production Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering teams
• Set engineering priorities aligned with production schedules, aircraft delivery milestones, and business objectives.
• Allocate engineering resources to support assembly lines, modification programmes, and NPI activity.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Production & Operations Support

• Provide day‑to‑day engineering support to aircraft assembly, systems installation, and modification activities.
• Resolve production issues impacting safety, quality, cost, or delivery, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective action.
Support production planning by improving workflow, line balance, and capacity utilisation.
• Monitor and improve key metrics such as delivery performance, labour efficiency, and schedule adherence..

Manufacturing & Production Engineering

• Develop, maintain, and optimise manufacturing processes, routings, tooling, and work instructions for aircraft and components.
• Support New Product Introductionربة (NPI), aircraft variants, design changes, and industrialisation activities.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation is compliant with Part 21, Part 145 (where applicable), and internal procedures.
• Drive standardisation and best practice across production and engineering functions.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Control

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Lead continuous improvement initiatives appropriate to low‑volume aerospace manufacturing (Lean, Kaizen, problem‑solving)

Reduce rework, non‑conformances, and manufacturing waste while maintaining airworthiness and quality standards

Identify opportunities to improve build efficiency, flow, and cost without compromising compliance or safety

Support capital investment cases for tooling, fixtures, and equipment

Tooling, Equipment & Automation

• Oversee the specification, design, and introduction of jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids for aircraft production
• Work closely with Maintenance and Facilities to ensure equipment availability and safe operation
• Support selective automation and digital manufacturing solutions where they add value in a high‑mix environment

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet Britten‑Norman quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Work closely with Quality and Cresource
  compliance to support audits, investigations, and corrective actions
• Support root cause analysis for non‑conformances, concessions, and production escapes
• Promote a strong safety culture across all manufacturing and engineering activities

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Planning teams
• Support supplier technical issues and manufacturing readiness where required
• Provide engineering input to programme reviews, delivery planning, and operational risk assessments

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience in Production Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering within an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of aircraft manufacturing, assembly, structures, or systems installation
• Experience working in a regulated environment (EASA / C Kata/ Part 21 / Part 145)
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• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and support live production
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail m‐dius

Desirable

• Experience in low‑volume, high‑mix aerospace manufacturing
• Knowledge of airworthiness, configuration control, and change וכן management
• Experience with Lean principles applied to aerospace environments
• Familiarity with digital work instructions, MRP/ERP systems, and manufacturing KPIs
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Benefits

• 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option
• Private healthcare scheme
• Flu vaccination
• Dental and optical cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses)
• Health screening and therapies
• Digital GP
• Referral bonus