Production Engineer Lead

Production Engineer with Leadership Aspirations This role is perfect for a Lead Production Engineer with Leadership Aspirations Overview Production Engineer role at a growing UK manufacturing business, with a genuine route into production management. Location: Derbyshire - on-site Salary: Up to £45,000 DOE Job Type: Permanent About the Business A well-established UK manufacturer of precision-engineered components and assemblies, supplying customers across a range of industrial and process sectors. The business continues to grow and is investing in its production capability to support increasing customer demand. About the Role This is an opportunity for an experienced Production Engineer to grow into a production leadership role over time. You'll take ownership of setting up and scaling manufacturing processes to support the company's growth, working closely with a small production team. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to build real experience in process improvement and new product introduction, with genuine progression into full operational leadership as you develop in the role. What You'll Be Doing * Design, set up and scale manufacturing processes to meet growing customer demand * Support new product introduction (NPI) and manufacturing process development * Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to guide production * Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodology * Support production planning, scheduling and resource allocation * Contribute to health & safety standards across the manufacturing operation * Help maintain and improve quality management systems in line with ISO 9001 * Work closely with the Managing Director and wider team, taking on growing responsibility for team leadership over time What We're Looking For Essential: * Based in the UK with the legal right to work in the UK * Strong background in manufacturing or production engineering * Experience setting up, improving or scaling manufacturing processes * Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement experience * Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications * Understanding of ISO 9001 quality management systems * Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail * Genuine ambition to progress into a production leadership role Desirable: * Experience within a precision or industrial manufacturing environment * Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) * Experience training, mentoring or informally leading colleagues * Degree in Manufacturing Engineering What's On Offer * Salary up to £45,000 depending on experience * A genuine path into a Production Manager role as you grow into it * Flexible working hours, with reduced hours on Fridays * 36.5 hour working week * 25 days annual leave * Company pension scheme * Free on-site parking If this sounds like the right move for you, apply now