Technical Manager

MK Personnel are delighted to be recruiting for a Technical Manager to join a great company in Biggleswade.

1. Technical Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of injection moulding machines, tooling, and support equipment.
• Ensure optimal machine performance, process stability, and output quality.
• Lead process setup, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous optimization.
• Coordinate tooling maintenance, refurbishment, and improvement in line with production needs.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to minimize downtime.

2. Quality Management System (QMS)

• Maintain and improve the QMS in compliance with ISO 9001.
• Ensure documentation (control plans, PFMEAs, work instructions) is up to date and compliant.
• Lead the implementation of automotive-specific requirements such as APQP, PPAP.
• Ensure robust traceability, change control, and documented risk-based thinking are in place.

3. Project & Process Development

• Lead new product introductions, from tooling trials to production ramp-up.
• Work closely with design, toolmakers, and customers to ensure manufacturability and quality standards.
• Coordinate mould trials, sample approvals, and full PPAP submissions.
• Optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and implement process improvements using Lean/Six Sigma tools.

4. Audit & Compliance

• Prepare for and lead internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Ensure all non-conformities from audits are properly addressed with effective corrective actions (8D, 5-Why).
• Always maintain readiness for customer visits and surveillance audits.

5. Team Leadership & Training

• Manage and develop the technical team, including process engineers, technicians, and toolmakers.
• Conduct regular skills assessments and provide training on QMS, quality tools, and technical standards.
• Promote a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

6. Customer Interface & Issue Resolution

• Act as the technical and quality point of contact for automotive customers.
• Lead problem-solving efforts for customer complaints using structured methodologies (8D, Ishikawa).
• Ensure timely communication and resolution of quality and delivery issues.

7. Performance Monitoring

• Track and report KPIs such as:

a) Zero Repeat NCRs,

b) Less than 2 NCRs per £1M turnover.

c) 8Ds submitted via Commercial Dept.

d) On-Time-In-Full

e) QMS Followed at all times.

f) QMS Audited to Schedule.

8. Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects focused on cost, quality, and delivery.
• Utilize Lean tools, 5S, visual management, for performance gains.
• Engage cross-functional teams in identifying and eliminating waste.

9. Risk & Change Management

• Manage engineering changes, and customer change requests.
• Maintain risk registers, conduct PFMEA updates, and apply lessons learned across programs.
• Ensure strict change control and validation for any process/tooling modifications.

10. Supplier Technical Support (as applicable)

• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure quality and technical conformance.
• Support supplier qualification, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Work with purchasing and quality teams on incoming quality issues and improvements.

11. Weekly Technical Environment Report:

· Non-Conformance status

· Projects

· Quotations

· Audits

If this role sounds perfect for you, please apply.