As part of the Program Core Team (PM, CE, CME, Procurement/SC, Finance), the Chief Engineer manages the Overall Engineering Activities within a Program to meet overall Program and Business Objectives.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading the Planning, Development, Commissioning and Industrialization of Manufacturing Systems within GKN's Civil business. This applies to, but not limited to; New Product Introductions (NPI), Work Transfers, Technology Insertions and addressing Critical Quality issues. The CME directly manages and leads the deployed Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team, to deliver manufacturing systems in compliance with its identified requirements (Produceability, Productivity, Cost, Schedule, Regulatory/Customer/HSE requirements and adherence to Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) standards.

• NPI - the CME is responsible for Planning, Development and commissioning of the Manufacturing System for New Product Introductions [LG3->LG7]. Working with the Design Chief Engineers (for Design and Build contracts) and Industrial Architects they are accountable for delivering a manufacturing system that fulfils all stakeholder requirements (Safety, Logistics, Quality, Produceability & Business case metrics), including development and maturity of Manufacturing processes and documentation.
• Leadership of Projects- Responsible for technical leadership of ME activities. This includes Program Management, Planning, Resource provisioning, budgeting, & Project EV reporting within functional and Enterprise standards.
• Leadership of Teams - Accountable to the Program Manager/Director for delivering ME content of tasks through direct Operational Management and Leadership of deployed manufacturing engineering team.
• Quality - Responsible for Product quality within the NPI ME function. Expected to drive a quality mind-set within the deployed engineering team and ensure compliance to agreed Customer, Regulatory, Business and functional standards including AS9145 (ZDM).
• Bids - Working closely with the Programme team and Industrial Architects, be responsible for the technical ME content of bid work including Technical risk management, ME work content and NRC budgeting.
• Technology - Through working with Key technology stakeholders be aware of and assess opportunities to improve manufacturing systems where appropriate and implement technologies whilst managing the associated risks/opportunities
• Relationships - Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, key stakeholders within the business. Foster and champion 5 principles within sphere of influence.

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelors Degree in Engineering.
* 8 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering and/or Demonstrated ability in leadership position with evidence of delivering significant improvements in terms of cost/quality of a manufacturing system.
* 4 years of experience with managing engineering projects or having demonstrated resolution of substantial complex manufacturing issues which resulted in alleviation of the problem or significant cost savings.
* Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and/or program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

* GKN experience
* 10 years of relevant experience gained within an engineering discipline.
* Previously held (internal) technical approval authority (i.e. is recognized as having appropriate technical seniority for Design, EWIS or Analysis).
* Experience in dealing with related functions (Operations/Production, Sales/Customer Relationship Management, Supplier Management and Development).
* Management of complex Projects; ability to rationalise, assess and evaluate information that may not always be clear or mature.
* Project management, planning and organising skills based on recognised project management methods.
* Strong business and commercial Savviness. Sees new Opportunities to win (new) Business and also to reduce or avoid costs.
* Solid approach/understanding to the delivery and tracking of engineering tasks.
* Able to define challenging objectives and achieve them.
* Relationship building at Levels up to and including senior management level.
* Able to work with cross-functional Teams that will typically include (in addition to the Design Engineering Team) Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Commercial. Procurement, Quality and Suppliers.
* Has excellent judgement in considering when escalation is appropriate.
* Strong minded, convincing and committed, focussed on delivery, must be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Ability to clearly present data, reports and presentations to facilitate the decision making process at all levels of the business.
* Completed Project Management Training / Courses.
* Having worked in multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams in an international setting.
* Experience with developing and coaching people.
* Ability to mentor and coach Engineers in the Delivery of their specific Task and supporting their professional Growth.