Manufacturing Assembly Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing assembly Project Manager to lead the insourcing of a specialist assembly operation for low-volume technical equipment.

Production currently sits with an overseas third-party manufacturer, which will support the move. You will plan and run the transfer into the client’s own UK site, and bring the in-house team with you, as this is new territory for them. This is not a like-for-like move. The transfer of assembly is between companies and global geographies.

Scope includes:

• Reworking a supply base of around 50 suppliers, shifting towards UK and European sources at lower cost
• Make vs buy decisions to suit a smaller site
• Taking units through testing, calibration and sign-off before release
• Redesigning the assembly approach for cost optimisation is required also

You will work for a UK Operations Director with a team comprising of an in-house production engineer and a growing engineering team.

The focus is the product, not building a factory. This is hands-on delivery, not advisory.

The work may not require full time work throughout the whole engagement so if you can offer part time flexibility at various points that is advantageous.

Must have the following:

• Proven experience leading the transfer of a manufacturing or assembly operation between companies and between locations (e.g. outsourced manufacture brought in house, or a product moved to or from a contract manufacturer)
• Background in complex, low-volume engineered equipment such as electro-mechanical systems or instruments
• Understanding of a highly regulated environment for compliance and safety sign off.
• Hands-on ownership of the plan, suppliers, budget and risks
• Availability for an immediate start and regular on site presence in the Midlands

Highly desirable:

• Cross-border transfer experience
• Supplier re-sourcing and qualification across a large supply base
• Testing, calibration and regulatory sign-off of equipment
• Background in defence, aerospace, scientific or laboratory instruments, medical devices or specialist test equipment

Outside IR35 role. Possibility of moving to part-time later in the contract.

Please do not apply if:

• You have advised on or supported a transfer but not led one
• Your background is high-volume production lines, lean or continuous improvement
• You are a factory or facility build specialist without product assembly transfer experience
• You are a food, FMCG or construction project manager
• You are a production manager, design engineer or R&D PM who has not owned a transfer cross borders and between companies.