Engineering Manager - Vehicle Development

Salary: Competitive + benefits
Location: Thatcham, UK - Full Time| On-site


About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Manager with Engineering to lead a team of engineers in designing and developing high-quality vehicle conversions. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for driving product innovation, ensuring engineering excellence, and supporting production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

- New Product Design & Development
- Lead and manage all aspects of the engineering department.
- Maintain and update product design drawings, parts, sub-assemblies, and systems.
- Support production during prototyping to optimise product design.
- Ensure accurate timing, cost, and technical information is shared with Sales, Production, Stores, Accounts, and Purchasing.
- Liaise with suppliers, providing technical guidance and quality standards.
- Maintain the database of configurations, BOMs, and part numbers.
- Coordinate Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) and ensure compliance with legislation.
- Work with Production to streamline designs, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

In addition you will be involved in:
- Leading vehicle development and production improvement projects.
- Monitoring and reporting on performance, KPIs, and specific engineering initiatives.
- Collaborating with Product Management to define standard builds, options, and training.
- Ensuring compliance with ISO and COP standards across production activities.
- Supporting Customer Care to investigate and resolve technical after-sales issues.
- Proposing design changes based on warranty feedback.
- Collaborating with QA on goods-in checks and resolve non-conforming parts.


Skills & Competencies

If you have hands-on experience in vehicle conversions, WAVs, or similar vehicle development that is a bonus BUT NOT essential.
- Strong engineering background with production knowledge.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
- High energy, proactive, and committed to continuous development.
- Process instruction creation, document control, BOM generation & MRP.
- Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, ISO9001, Lean Manufacturing, and VSM.
- Knowledge of HSE and COSHH regulations.
- Experience with NPI coordination and CAD software.
- Excellent IT literacy and CAD expertise.

This will be an a critical position for the Engineering Manager taking ownership of all aspects of the engineering department and help grow the business.