Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in injection moulding to lead production, tooling management, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires hands-on technical expertise in moulding processes, tooling maintenance, lean manufacturing, and production efficiency. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and ensure high-quality manufacturing standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Manufacturing & Production Management
* Oversee day-to-day operations of the moulding production team, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
* Lead and develop the team, handling training, performance management, and health & safety compliance.
* Work closely with senior management to execute mouldshop improvement plans and optimize production flow.
* Identify and resolve process bottlenecks, implementing solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
* Champion lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Kaizen, waste reduction) to drive continuous improvement.
Tooling & Process Optimization
* Manage mould tooling maintenance, servicing, and repairs, ensuring minimal downtime.
* Liaise with external tooling suppliers for new tools, modifications, and repairs.
* Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to optimize tooling and component design.
* Ensure timely delivery of tools, coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
* Improve cycle times, machine settings, and process parameters to achieve consistent quality and efficiency.
Quality & Compliance
* Ensure all production processes meet ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
* Work closely with the Quality and Health & Safety teams to maintain compliance with industry regulations.
* Monitor and reduce scrap rates, defects, and process variability through structured problem-solving techniques.
* Support environmental sustainability targets and waste reduction programs.
Project Management & Continuous Improvement
* Lead and support new product introduction (NPI) projects, working on tooling design, validation, and trials.
* Implement automation and process improvements to increase manufacturing efficiency.
* Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality.
* Ensure production deadlines are met while maintaining flexibility for urgent customer demands.
Customer & Supplier Relations
* Act as the primary technical contact for customer tooling inquiries and technical discussions.
* Manage tooling and production expectations with customers and internal stakeholders.
* Travel to customer sites when necessary to support project requirements and resolve issues.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education & Experience:
* Degree or time-served experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Toolmaking, or related field.
* Minimum 5 years of experience in injection moulding tooling management and/or manufacturing engineering.
* Proven leadership experience within an injection moulding or plastics manufacturing environment.
Technical Skills:
* Strong expertise in injection mould tooling, toolmaking, and plastics processing.
* Proficiency in CAD software for tooling design and analysis.
* Knowledge of robotics, automation, and lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
* Hands-on experience with troubleshooting moulding defects and optimizing cycle times.
* Familiarity with PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation is an advantage
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