Lead Production Engineer

Lead Production Engineer Overview

This is an opportunity for an experienced production leader to join an engineering team and take ownership of building a manufacturing capability from the ground up. The position focuses on creating and leading the production function, with responsibility for moving products from prototype and first-article stages into full serial manufacture for both internal and external customers.

The role sits within an engineering environment where the successful candidate will help shape how products are transferred into production, how manufacturing is organised, and how output quality is maintained as the operation grows. It is suited to someone who enjoys establishing structure, improving processes, and leading a team through a period of expansion.

What you will do

• Establish and lead the manufacturing operation, taking responsibility for building the production function and setting it up for long-term success.
• Manage the progression of products from early prototype and first-article phases into repeatable serial production.
• Oversee manufacturing activity across planning, capacity management, scheduling, and day-to-day production coordination.
• Develop the processes, methods, and controls needed to scale manufacturing in a controlled and efficient way.
• Put in place the tooling, equipment, and staffing required to support production growth.
• Create and maintain the documentation needed for manufacturing, including assembly procedures and configuration control.
• Introduce and uphold quality assurance and production assurance practices so that output remains consistent and reliable.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure products are transferred smoothly into manufacture and delivered efficiently.
• Help maintain high production standards while operating in a fast-paced setting where priorities may evolve quickly.

What the employer is looking for

• Proven experience taking products from prototype stage through to serial production.
• Previous experience building or scaling manufacturing operations is essential.
• Experience in a startup or scale-up business is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing planning, capacity planning, and production scheduling.
• Practical experience implementing manufacturing documentation and control systems that are robust and reliable.
• Good knowledge of quality management and production assurance processes.
• The ability to perform well in a fast-moving environment with changing priorities.
• Strong leadership skills, with the communication ability to bring people together and the problem-solving skills to resolve operational issues.

Package and location

The salary for this position is £60,000 to £75,000. The role is based in Oxfordshire, England.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply now or contact Gemma Rowe for further information. The advert also provides Gemma Rowe’s contact details for direct enquiries.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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