R&D Manufacturing Manager

Date Posted:2026-06-16Country:United KingdomLocation:Solihull, SolihullPosition Role Type:OnsiteR&D Manufacturing ManagerElectronic Controls and Motor Systems | Collins Aerospace, an RTX businessHelp shape the next generation of aerospace technologyAt Collins Aerospace, we are working at the edge of what is possible in aerospace and defense. Across RTX, 185,000 people are united by one purpose: solving complex challenges, advancing technology, and helping to connect and protect our world.Within our Electronic Controls and Motor Systems business, we are focused on the technologies that will help power the future of flight, including advanced electric motors, controllers, and high-performance aerospace systems.We are now looking for an R&D Manufacturing Manager to lead a skilled team of Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians across mechanical and electronic build and test activities.This is a key leadership role at the point where innovation becomes reality. You will help take new technologies from demonstrator stage through industrialisation, supporting the transition into New Product Introduction and future production.The opportunityAs R&D Manufacturing Manager, you will be responsible for leading manufacturing activity across a fast-paced R&D environment, ensuring high-quality products are built, tested, documented, and delivered in line with programme requirements.You will work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and external stakeholders to ensure manufacturing capability, capacity, processes, tools, materials, and documentation are aligned to deliver complex aerospace products to demanding timelines.This role would suit someone who enjoys leading people, building structure, improving processes, and working with emerging technologies in a high-precision engineering environment.What you will doYou will lead, develop, and support a team of Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians, ensuring clear resource planning, skills development, performance reviews, and personal development plans are in place.You will act as the key manufacturing point of contact for internal and external customers, ensuring manufacturing deliverables are understood, planned, communicated, and achieved.You will ensure manufacturing activities comply with Collins Aerospace corporate and local processes, while representing Manufacturing during internal and third-party audits to support continued AS9100 compliance.You will be responsible for ensuring the manufacturing area maintains traceable components, calibrated tools, compliant chemicals, and accurate digital build documentation that reflects the physical build.You will support the team with the creation, maintenance, and closure of works orders through SAP, helping to ensure manufacturing activity is visible, controlled, and aligned to programme needs.You will plan, monitor, and communicate manufacturing capacity and capability across projects, ensuring the business has a clear view of current and future requirements.You will develop and maintain meaningful KPIs for the Operations area, using data and insight to support decision-making and continuous improvement.You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to support make-versus-buy decisions and ensure manufacturing requirements are considered early and effectively.You will partner with Engineering to support the successful transition of products from design into manufacture and test, ensuring parts and products are built in line with design data.You will actively seek out improvement opportunities and lead a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing team.What you will bringWe are looking for someone who combines technical manufacturing knowledge with strong people leadership.You will bring experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally gained within aerospace, advanced engineering, high-precision manufacturing, electric motors, controllers, electronics, or a similarly regulated environment.You will be a confident people manager who can support, coach, develop, and motivate a technical team while maintaining focus on quality, delivery, safety, and compliance.You will have excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy R&D and programme-led environment.You will be comfortable communicating with colleagues, senior leaders, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams, bringing clarity and credibility to manufacturing discussions.You will be analytical and numerate, able to produce concise reports, meaningful KPIs, and clear presentations to support business decisions.Essential requirementsManufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent experiencePrevious experience in a manufacturing engineering, operations, or technical leadership roleStrong people management skills, with the ability to develop and support a technical teamExperience managing processes, projects, and deliverables within a technical or manufacturing environmentStrong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and customersExcellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environmentA proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvementTypically requires a university degree or equivalent experience with significant relevant experience in a technical, engineering, or manufacturing environmentPreferred experienceAS9100 experienceSAP experienceExperience working with electric motors, controllers, electronics, or ESD-controlled environmentsPrevious management experience within aerospace or another high-precision engineering environmentExperience supporting product industrialisation, NPI, or transition from design into manufacturingA strong interest in new technologies, innovation, and improved ways of workingWhat we can offer you: Competitive salary.Flexible working, hybrid working and a family friendly approach.Outstand