Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Life Unlimited.

At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living!

Are you passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in manufacturing? We're seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join our operations team in Hull. In this key role, you’ll lead engineering initiatives, optimise production processes, and support the development of a high-performing team. If you thrive in a hands-on environment and bring expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What will you be doing?

Imagine stepping into a role where your ideas don’t just stay on paper—they shape the way things are made. As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer based in Hull, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, leading the charge to make our manufacturing processes smarter, faster, and more efficient.

Your day might begin with a walk through the production floor, observing the flow of value streams and finding opportunities to reduce waste. You’ll collaborate with teams across design, quality, supply chain, and maintenance to ensure that every product we launch is not only innovative but also manufacturable efficiently and at scale.

You’ll lead the development and optimisation of tools, equipment, and processes—always with an eye on safety, quality, and cost. Whether it’s applying Six Sigma to solve a complex challenge or mentoring engineers and apprentices, your work will have a direct impact on our performance and culture of continuous improvement.

From planning capital investments to driving year-on-year efficiency gains, you’ll be a key player in shaping how we work today—and how we’ll work tomorrow.

What does success look like?

Success in this role means being a visible, hands-on presence on the production floor—someone who doesn’t just see opportunities for improvement but turns them into measurable results. You’ll be known for driving year-on-year productivity gains and reducing process waste, all while maintaining a sharp focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

You’ll be the go-to expert for lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, using data and insight to solve complex challenges and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Your ability to collaborate across functions—design, quality, supply chain, and maintenance—will ensure smooth product launches and robust, scalable processes.

You’ll also be a mentor and technical guide, helping engineers, technicians, and apprentices grow while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.

Successful candidates would need the following:

• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment, with a solid understanding of lean principles and continuous improvement practices
• Accreditation in Lean and/or Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), or equivalent hands-on experience leading the application of these methodologies to real-world challenges
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring others in a fast-paced environment
  
  
  

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/)
• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options and others.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
• Your Wellbeing: Private Health and other country specific plans are available
• Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customised, Mentorship.
  
  
  

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