Production Engineer - Lean Operations

Closing Date for Application:

Friday 04/09/2026

Are you passionate about Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement? Do you enjoy solving complex production challenges, streamlining assembly processes, and making a real impact on operational performance?

We're looking for an experienced Production Engineer to help shape the future of our assembly operations. This is more than just maintaining production, it's about transforming it!

You'll play a key role in introducing lean assembly processes, supporting exciting new product launches, driving automation projects, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that help our business grow.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Production Engineer, you'll work closely with colleagues across Production, Engineering, Quality, HSE and Product Management to deliver practical improvements that support operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting time studies and line balancing to identify bottlenecks, reduce cycle times and eliminate waste.

• Identifying tooling requirements, including the design and implementation of production jigs and fixtures.

• Developing, documenting and maintaining standard operating procedures for assembly operations.

• Supporting the design and optimisation of manufacturing cells and workstations.

• Leading Process FMEA reviews to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.

• Driving improvements to manufacturing flow and assembly processes.

• Identifying opportunities for semi and fully automated assembly processes, building business cases and supporting the introduction of new automation equipment.

• Working closely with Design Engineers to ensure new products are designed with manufacture and assembly in mind.

• Managing Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) relating to assembly operations.

• Supporting root cause investigations and implementing effective corrective actions to improve production quality.

• Leading Kaizen events and Continuous Improvement projects within your area of responsibility.

• Supporting compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

• Providing technical support on production quality matters where required.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with a passion for improvement.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong experience in a Production or Manufacturing Engineering role.

• An HNC, HND or Degree in Engineering (or equivalent).

• Experience within FMCG assembly operations.

• Knowledge of electronics assembly processes.

• Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, including Flow, Pull and Continuous Improvement.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) qualification.

• Experience using CAD/CAM software, ideally SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.

• Experience within polymer manufacturing would be advantageous, but it's not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking manufacturing business where your ideas matter.

You'll have the chance to:

• Lead meaningful Continuous Improvement projects.

• Influence how products are manufactured from concept through to production.

• Work with the latest manufacturing technologies and automation.

• Be part of a collaborative engineering team committed to innovation and operational excellence.

• Make a genuine impact on quality, efficiency and business growth.

What we offer:

As well as the opportunity to make a real impact, we offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Monday to Friday working.

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays.

• Contributory pension scheme with employer contributions matched up t