Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Plant Engineering Manager (PEM) to lead the full technical function of a high-volume manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring world-class maintenance and reliability, and leading advanced manufacturing, automation, and industrialisation initiatives.
This is a floor-driven leadership role, requiring daily presence in production to support teams, optimise performance, and ensure stable, efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
Plant & Maintenance Leadership
- Own production equipment reliability and utilities (generators, compressors, HVAC, air systems)
- Implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
- Reduce downtime and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Plan and execute CAPEX projects
New Product Introduction (NPI) & Industrialisation
- Lead industrialisation of new product lines
- Oversee process validation, capability studies, and equipment commissioning
- Ensure stable production ramp-up and high first-pass yield
Engineering & Operational Leadership
- Manage engineering operations and cross-functional coordination
- Control budgets, CAPEX, and asset lifecycle performance
- Ensure ISO compliance and governance standards
- Lead recruitment, performance management, and team development
Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives
- Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects
- Implement SMED, line balancing, and value stream mapping
- Facilitate Kaizen events
Hardware & Software Engineering Oversight
- Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Test (DFT), and Reliability (DFR)
- Oversee production software, firmware, and data systems
- Maintain MES/MOM systems and SAP integration
- Ensure full traceability, data integrity, and reporting
Automation & Advanced Manufacturing
- Drive automation, robotics, and smart factory systems
- Manage MES/MOM platforms and reporting tools
- Improve productivity through advanced manufacturing technologies
Stakeholder & Technical Support
- Act as senior escalation point for technical issues
- Support suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams
- Contribute to customer issue resolution and field failure analysis
- Represent the plant in regional and international engagements
Key Performance Indicators
- ≥90% equipment availability and utilities uptime
- ≥20% reduction in unplanned downtime
- OEE trending toward ≥80%
- ≥98% first-pass yield in production
- ≥10% year-on-year productivity improvement
- CAPEX delivery within ±5% of budget and schedule
- ≥90% on-time delivery of operational and engineering objectives
Skills & Attributes
- Strong ownership mindset and accountability
- Proven leadership and team development capability
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Broad technical expertise across hardware, software, and manufacturing systems
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Financial acumen (budgets, CAPEX, cost control)
- Ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced environments
Core Competencies
- Strategic Engineering Leadership
- People Management & Talent Development
- Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma
- Reliability Engineering & Predictive Maintenance
- Industrial Automation & Robotics
- MES/MOM and SAP Integration