Kent | Hybrid working | Up to c.£75,000 + package
Contact: Emily Powell, Associate Director at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
Are you an experienced Engineering Manager who thrives on leading teams, solving real-world product challenges, and keeping critical products performing in the field?
This is a key leadership role within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, focused on sustaining existing products rather than new product development. If you enjoy problem-solving, technical leadership and developing engineers, this could be a strong fit.
The Role
You’ll take ownership of a well-established engineering team, leading the ongoing support and improvement of a complex product portfolio.
Your focus will include:
Leading a team of c.10 engineers, driving performance, engagement and development
Acting as a technical authority across mechanical design and product issues
Managing real-world challenges such as material shortages, quality issues and field failures
Ensuring products remain compliant, manufacturable and commercially viable
Driving continuous improvement across processes, capability and output
Working cross-functionally with quality, operations and supply chain to resolve issues quickly and effectively
This is a role where you’ll be close to the detail, not just managing from a distance.
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to speak with candidates who bring a strong blend of technical depth and proven leadership.
Key experience:
Background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering (or similar)
Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (6–10+ reports)
Strong understanding of design-led engineering environments (not purely process/production)
Experience within a regulated industry (medical devices highly desirable)
Exposure to plastic moulding, materials or tooling would be a significant advantage
Comfortable operating in a sustaining / in-market product environment rather than NPI
Leadership style:
A steady, collaborative leader who can integrate into an established team
Confident in coaching, mentoring and managing performance
Pragmatic, solutions-focused and calm under pressure
Focused on continuous improvement, not unnecessary disruption
Why This Role?
Lead a stable, well-performing team with real ownership
Work on products already in the market, solving meaningful challenges
Influence both technical direction and team development
Join a business operating within a highly regulated, quality-driven environment
Hybrid working with a strong balance of on-site collaboration and flexibility
Location & Package
Kent-based role (hybrid – typically a minimum of 2 days on-site)
Salary up to c.£75,000 with some flexibility for the right person
Competitive wider benefits package
Important Considerations
This role is not suited to candidates focused purely on NPI or innovation-led environments
You must be comfortable with a hands-on, problem-solving sustaining environment
If you’re an Engineering Manager who enjoys leading from the front, developing teams and solving complex product challenges, we’d love to have a confidential conversation
Salary description
£70000.00 - £80000.00 per year