University of Warwick
Lead Engineer - Manufacturing (111642-0726)
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Lead Engineer - Manufacturing (111642-0726)
About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Jacqui Murray (Director, South Wales) at Jacqui.Murray@warwick.ac.uk
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
This role provides manufacturing leadership across South Wales, delivering hands-on support to help companies boost productivity and competitiveness. You will enable businesses to adopt advanced digital technologies, innovate, and differentiate their products, processes and capabilities.
Working as part of WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), you’ll play a role in supporting economic growth, skills development and industrial innovation through applied research and technology adoption. You’ll benefit from the expertise of a UK-wide network of manufacturing specialists, while being part of a supportive, close-knit team based in Baglan, Neath Port Talbot.
You will lead and deliver projects that tackle real-world industry challenges, creating practical and scalable solutions with clear commercial impact. A key focus will be helping Welsh manufacturers improve their productivity, implement automation and robotics, and embed advanced digital manufacturing techniques.
Collaborating closely with HVM Catapult centre specialist engineers, industry partners, Welsh organisations and academic institutions, you will play a central role in transforming manufacturing performance across South Wales.
You’ll be joining a diverse and purpose-driven team based in Baglan and given the tools and support needed to make a tangible difference to the future of Welsh industry.
About You
You are an experienced and credible manufacturing engineer with a strong track record in industry, whether through leadership, technical expertise, or both. You bring hands-on experience of production environments and a passion for improving processes, particularly through automation, digitalisation, or continuous improvement.
You’re comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, from shop floor teams to senior leaders, and have the communication skills to influence, guide, and build trust. Organised and proactive, you can manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a focus on delivering tangible outcomes. Above all, you are motivated by making a difference, applying your expertise to help businesses in Wales grow, innovate, and succeed.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About The Department
WMG is a globally renowned research organisation with internationally recognised expertise and facilities. We are both an academic department of the University of Warwick, and one of the UK's High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult centres. WMG is a leading international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors, accelerating and de-risking innovation for industry, driving cutting edge R&D to develop the brightest ideas and talent to shape our future.
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Industry and manufacturing are central to Wales’ identity. HVM Catapult Baglan strengthens this legacy by providing South Wales businesses with a space to innovate, test, and refine processes through the extensive capabilities of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Welsh manufacturers can benefit from expertise in areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and skills development, helping them sharpen their competitive edge and build a stronger future for industry in Wales.
The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.
We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.
Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.
Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.
Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
*World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 **Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
Closing Deadline: Sunday 2nd August 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*
To Apply, Please Click APPLY Below And Submit An Application Form By The Closing Deadline. You Will Be Asked To Include Two Attachments
- CV
- Cover Letter
These Should
- Outline employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
- Demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description using clear examples.
Please ensure your application clearly evidences the essential criteria, as the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application if these are not demonstrated.**
Interview Date: August 2026 Start Date: 1st September 2026
Applications must be submitted through the warwick-careers.tal.net portal before the closing deadline. We recommend completing your application form in good time, as the advert will automatically close at the deadline. You are welcome to include any career breaks, such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, or long-term sickness absence. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.
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What We Offer
We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.
Where possible, we offer hybrid working arrangements that combine office-based and remote working. Opportunities for hybrid working will depend on the requirements of the role, business needs of the department and can be discussed during the recruitment process.
For more information, see here.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations.
We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
- Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
- The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
- All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD - Lead Engineer - Manufacturing (111642).pdf – 113KB Opens in a new window
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
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