Jobs in Willesley

Senior Technical Manager

Gloucestershire

Competitive Salary + Development

Overview:

Are you a hands-on technical leader with a passion for battery systems and power electronics? Do you enjoy shaping innovative products from concept to production in a fast-moving, specialist environment? This is a rare opportunity to lead a small, experienced team and drive the next chapter of growth for a UK manufacturer producing 12V/24V battery chargers, power supplies, and bespoke charging solutions for automotive, haulage, telecoms, mobility, and industrial applications.

As Senior Technical Manager, you’ll combine technical depth, operational expertise, and strategic vision to guide product development, strengthen manufacturing processes, and build team capability for the future.

What You’ll Do:

Lead Technical Excellence

Be the go-to authority for electronics design, product architecture, and technical decisions.
Drive development of low-voltage automotive electronics, including SMPS, DC–DC converters, high-current charging circuits, and embedded control systems.
Ensure all products meet CE/UKCA and relevant automotive standards.
Roll up your sleeves to support prototypes, troubleshoot issues, and enhance designs for manufacturability and reliability.
Shape Product Innovation

Own a forward-looking product roadmap that aligns with growth ambitions.
Lead development of new products and upgrades that expand the portfolio beyond current specialist ranges.
Translate market and customer needs into clear, actionable engineering specifications.
Introduce innovative solutions that improve performance, reduce costs, and deliver an exceptional user experience.
Support bespoke developments for one-off or volume applications.
Drive Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

Oversee the product lifecycle from concept to low-volume production and ongoing support.
Strengthen build processes, test methods, and quality controls in a hands-on assembly environment.
Introduce scalable improvements to efficiency, repeatability, and documentation.
Lead root-cause analysis for field issues, warranty returns, and production defects.
Manage suppliers to ensure continuity, quality, and cost efficiency as volumes grow.
Build & Inspire Your Team

Lead and mentor a small R&D team, ensuring knowledge is transferred and succession plans are in place.
Develop capability through recruitment, training, and process development.
Support the manufacturing team, fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with commercial and operational teams to ensure aligned, effective decision-making.
Ensure Compliance & High Standards

Maintain rigorous documentation and design controls, including test reports, validation plans, and change control records.
Support audits, customer reviews, and regulatory submissions with clarity and accuracy.
What We’re Looking For:

Strong background in automotive electronics, low-voltage DC systems, and battery technologies (lead acid, AGM, EFB, lithium).
Proven experience in power electronics, SMPS design, high-current charging, and protection circuitry.
Familiarity with battery testing, diagnostic algorithms, EMC design, and automotive qualification processes.
Experienced in leading small engineering and production teams.
Skilled in taking products from concept to production in resource-constrained environments.
Excellent communicator, able to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with commercial awareness, operational pragmatism, and a hands-on approach.
Experience in small manufacturing or low-volume specialist electronics.
Knowledge of modern battery technologies, low-voltage power supplies, and testing methodologies.
Practical, hands-on approach with prototypes, test rigs, and production challenges.
Continuous improvement mindset focused on reliability, process, and quality.
Passionate about helping a small business scale with new products, improved processes, and a strong team.
What Success Looks Like:

Deliver new products that drive revenue growth.
Build team capability, retain knowledge, and strengthen succession planning.
Improve product reliability, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction.
Introduce new processes, tools, and methods that support scalable growth.
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.

In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included