Manufacturing Engineer

Summary

:

• Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
• Office based with local travel between sites as required
• 33 days holiday per year

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, focusing on the development, implementation, and optimisation of processes to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.

The role involves analysing performance, improving quality, and working closely with production teams to achieve operational targets and enhance overall business performance, focusing on process optimisation and supporting production teams to deliver operational targets.

More Details:

What you will be responsible for

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Support production with technical problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up activities.
• Analyse production data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support tooling, fixtures, and process development.
• Work with quality teams to resolve manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure processes comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

What we are looking for

• Have a desire to learn and grow the role, have a “Can-Do” attitude and the ability to accept guidance on manufacturing engineering practices.
• A flexible and enthusiastic team player with a passion for problem solving.
• Demonstrates a practical hands-on approach.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and a desire to deliver against agreed targets.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate clearly.
• Computer literate and understand Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc)
• Work closely with our Design, Manufacturing Engineers, Site Leaders and Quality Engineers to deliver a Right First-Time solution.
• Look forwards to new challenges and ask questions. Able to accept instructions and take notes as required.
• Be an excellent Timekeeper.
• Willing to go the “Extra Mile” to achieve a goal.
• Practical understanding of Fabrication and Welding, including Weld Symbols and usage on drawings.
• Understanding of “Poka-Yoke” on processes, procedures and tooling.
• Experienced in the use of SolidWorks 3D CAD Software and the creation of Engineering Drawings.
• Willingness to travel between all our sites to speak with other members of the team and ensure a working process or procedure is delivered to Ifor Williams Trailers.
• An understanding of Robotic Welding is desirable but not essential.

The behaviours that matter most

Ownership & Accountability• Takes responsibility for identifying process improvement opportunities and delivering measurable manufacturing outcomes.• Ensures engineering changes and improvements are implemented effectively and sustained in production.• Acts promptly to resolve process, quality, and efficiency issues within manufacturing operations.Quality & Right First Time Mindset• Promotes high standards in process design, validation, and control to achieve right-first-time manufacture.• Applies root cause analysis techniques to eliminate defects and prevent recurrence.• Ensures all process improvements support product quality, compliance, and customer requirements.Practical & Hands-On Approach• Actively engages on the shop floor, supporting production and understanding real-time process challenges.• Applies Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to develop practical engineering solutions.• Balances structured engineering methods with operational practicality to deliver effective outcomes.Collaborative Working• Works closely with production teams, quality, design, and site leadership to improve manufacturing processes.• Engages operators and stakeholders in problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.• Communicates technical information clearly and effectively across all levels of the business.Continuous Improvement Focus• Continuously seeks opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and productivity.• Challenges existing processes using engineering insight while valuing team experience and input.• Uses data analysis, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive informed decision-making and improvements.Pace, Resilience & Adaptability• Delivers results in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment.• Adapts engineering approaches to meet varying production needs and operational priorities.• Responds positively to change, overcoming challenges with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing, or Manufacturing / Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Good knowledge and experience in sheet metal and fabrication / welding.
• Experience in manufacturing or production environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience using engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Good communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience using SolidWorks 3D CAD Software, that can be demonstrated at an interview.
• Extensive experience in the creation of Drawings generated from the 3D model that can be demonstrated at an interview.

Why IWT

Ifor Williams Trailers is a family‑owned business with a strong heritage, long‑term stability, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Founded in 1958 and operating across five advanced manufacturing sites in North Wales, we offer the scale, complexity, and operational depth to genuinely challenge and develop improvement professionals.

This role provides the opportunity to work across diverse manufacturing operations, including assembly, fabrication, finishing, and process‑led environments, giving real breadth and impact. As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will have the visibility, authority, and support to drive meaningful change and embed best practice across multiple sites.

We invest in our people, offering genuine opportunities for professional development, exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a measurable difference in a business that values quality, practicality, and long‑term improvement. North Wales also offers an outstanding quality of life, with the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep and Liverpool and Manchester just over an hour away.

How to apply

Send your CV and a one-page covering note what attracts you to this role, why you are applying, and what relevant experience you would bring to HR@iwt.co.uk

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a site visit and a multi-stage competency-based interview. We will be in touch with all applicants and thank you in advance for taking the time to apply.