Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing EngineerLocation: Lincoln Salary: £55,000 (with flexibility based on experience)

Lead Transformative Change

Are you a seasoned manufacturing engineering leader with a passion for Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence? Hays in Lincoln is exclusively partnering with an innovative client to recruit a Principal Manufacturing Engineer for a pivotal new role. This is your chance to spearhead a team, drive change and elevate manufacturing processes to world-class standards. This is your opportunity to take the helm of a manufacturing transformation, leading a team to deliver measurable impact. With a salary of £55,000 (and flexibility for standout experience), you'll shape processes, embed Lean Six Sigma principles and drive automation; all while fostering a high-performing team and influencing cross-functional success. Our client's operation is ready for your vision to turn potential into performance.

About the Opportunity

Our client, a forward-thinking manufacturing business in Lincoln, operates a purpose-built facility with a manufacturing operation of around 30 operators. Their production relies on manufacturing cells, combining manual processes with some automation, and they're ready for a step-change. As Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you'll lead a dedicated team to design, implement, and optimise processes, initially strengthening the existing product range and later supporting new product introductions with a relentless focus on Lean principles, Six Sigma, and operational excellence.

The Role

In this leadership position, you'll head a team of Manufacturing Engineers, inspiring them to deliver exceptional results. You'll tackle current process weaknesses by conducting full PFMEAs, redesigning operating procedures, and driving improvements across the board. With your expertise, you'll champion automation and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration and lasting change.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Guide and motivate your team, bringing out their best to achieve safety, quality and efficiency goals.
• Process Design & Optimisation: Develop scalable, Lean-driven manufacturing processes, integrating automation and designing tooling to boost productivity.
• Cross-Functional Change: Partner with R&D and operations to embed manufacturing excellence into product design and production handovers.
• Operational Excellence: Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance existing processes, eliminate waste, and improve cost, quality, and consistency.
• Automation Leadership: Drive automation projects, from identification to Capex justification, reducing manual reliance in a medium-volume assembly environment.
• Process Validation: Validate processes, create robust documentation, work instructions and risk assessments to ensure compliance and performance.

What You'll Do Day-to-Day

• Lead your team in designing and implementing Lean manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with product design and cross-functional stakeholders to integrate manufacturability and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement using Six Sigma tools to address inefficiencies and elevate standards.
• Spearhead automation initiatives, presenting business cases to secure investment.
• Monitor and refine processes, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with a proven track record of designing and optimising processes for small to medium-volume assembly.
• Deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence, with practical application in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, inspiring performance and driving change across functions.
• Experience implementing automation solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of safety and quality standards in manufacturing.
• Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, collaborative approach.

If you're a manufacturing leader who thrives on bringing out the best in people and driving operational excellence, then we want to hear from you.