Manufacturing Engineering Manager

An international manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Manager – Manufacturing Engineering to lead manufacturing engineering activities and drive operational excellence within a highly technical production environment. This is a senior leadership role responsible for developing manufacturing capabilities, leading engineering teams and supporting the industrialisation of new products and technologies. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership to deliver continuous improvement, manufacturing innovation and operational excellence while supporting long-term business growth. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Capacity Management Develop and implement manufacturing capacity strategies aligned with business growth. Lead CAPEX planning and capital investment projects. Optimise production resources while maintaining flexibility for future demand. Manage engineering budgets and manufacturing investment plans. Operational Excellence Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives. Define, monitor and improve manufacturing KPIs. Lead cost reduction, productivity improvement and waste elimination programmes. Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the engineering organisation. Manufacturing Process Development Lead the industrialisation of new products and manufacturing processes. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and production launch activities. Develop and implement manufacturing processes and production technologies. Contribute to manufacturing innovation and long-term technology development. Engineering Leadership Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, including process, mechanical and electrical engineers as well as technicians. Provide technical leadership to resolve complex manufacturing and engineering challenges. Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous development. Equipment & Technology Oversee the development, optimisation and implementation of manufacturing equipment. Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Support equipment design, procurement and implementation of new manufacturing technologies. Drive automation and process improvement initiatives where appropriate. Project Management Lead CAPEX and manufacturing engineering projects. Manage production transfer and localisation programmes. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned with business objectives. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with R&D, Product Management, Operations, Purchasing, Quality and Maintenance teams. Support Design for Manufacturing (DfM) initiatives throughout product development. Provide technical input during supplier selection and sourcing activities. Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental standards. Support equipment reliability and preventive maintenance initiatives. Develop and maintain engineering procedures, manufacturing documentation and standard operating procedures. Innovation Monitor emerging manufacturing technologies and industry trends. Identify and implement innovative engineering solutions that improve quality, productivity and operational efficiency. Essential Requirements Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline. Minimum 10 years' experience in Manufacturing Engineering. Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams. Strong experience leading CAPEX projects, industrialisation and manufacturing process development. Experience managing production transfers and/or localisation projects. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Experience with manufacturing equipment development and optimisation. Experience using CAD, Creo (Pro/ENGINEER) or equivalent engineering software. Fluent German (minimum B2 level) and fluent English (minimum B2 level), both written and spoken. Availability to work 100% on-site in the Greater Munich Area. Desirable Experience The following experience would be considered advantageous: Experience with heat shrink or cold-applied manufacturing technologies. Automation and advanced manufacturing technologies. Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence programmes. Global or multinational manufacturing environments. Personal Attributes The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate Strong strategic and operational leadership. Excellent people management and coaching skills. Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability. Hands-on leadership style. Proactive, organised and solution-oriented mindset. High level of ownership and accountability. Passion for innovation and continuous improvement. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join an international manufacturing organisation in a senior engineering leadership role where you will influence manufacturing strategy, lead major engineering projects and develop high-performing technical teams. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence, manufacturing innovation and business growth while developing your career within a dynamic, collaborative and technology-driven industrial environment. Please Note This position requires substantial Manufacturing Engineering leadership experience, together with fluent German (minimum B2 level) and fluent English (minimum B2 level). To ensure an efficient recruitment process, we kindly ask that you apply only if you meet all of the essential requirements, particularly the required manufacturing engineering experience, language proficiency and on-site availability. Thank you for your understanding. Skills: manufacturing engineering,innovation,projects,continuous improvement,leadership,manufacturing,management,operational excellence