Head of Manufacturing Engineering

Let us describe the challenge we offer

This exciting role will have overall responsibility and accountability for the Manufacturing Engineering department, which will include people and budgetary management. He/she will lead the Manufacturing management team.

The Manufacturing Engineering function will cover some or all the following definition within its business:

- Responsible for the development /design of production and Logistic equipment
- Industrialize the manufacturing process based upon the input received by R&D. Review, evaluate and implement engineering changes.
- Uses /develop various processes and methods to transform raw /purchased materials, components and parts into finished goods/vehicles for customers to required standards of quality, cost, delivery and safety.


This position requires also deep involvement in all studies related to contract manufacturing. Ex. Make sure ME is a part of contract manufacturing projects key milestones delivers reviewing to have right inputs to support the studies. Be a part of product board providing right input to optimizing platform strategy company incl. all contract manufacturing projects.



This position can be located either in Sweden Gothenburg or UK Coventry.

What you'll do

Strategy and Development:

- Overall responsibility for Manufacturing Engineering activities across the business
- Create and implement best practice manufacturing engineering vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets
- Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities


General and Task Management:

- Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programmes across all areas of responsibility
- Coordinate team activities to optimise cost performance of the plant through capital investment program, optimising operating working capital usage and minimising waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development
- Provide design for manufacturing input at early stages in the new product development process, coordinating with and supporting the new product development team to implement new and revised designs and developing effective processes to ensure manufacturability of product while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and achieving cost targets
- Support project management to cross functional activity required for project execution
- Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to


People Management:

- Provide leadership to departments and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
- Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
- Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements
- Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
- Responsible for developing the appropriate organisational structure, resource plans and culture to support the business objectives and customer deliverables


Financial and Budget Management:

- Responsible for the total Manufacturing budget. Working with Manufacturing budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards.
- Monthly financial review of the department performance and take appropriate measures to come back on track (ref. budget submission)


Relationship Management:

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance
- Report on Manufacturing Engineering activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
- Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the manufacturing strategy


Environmental & Sustainability:

- Review environmental /sustainability strategies that impact on future ways of operating and ensure implementation where possible


Self Management:

- Support, comply and ensure complicity with Health & Safety regulations, the Company Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other Company policies and procedures


Who you are

- Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimise team performance and development
- Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
- Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
- Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
- Resilient, self motivated and open to work dynamically
- An appreciation of and an ability to positively resolve issues arising from different cultures required
- Shows moral courage, openness and honesty in all dealings


Qualifications and Experience Levels:

- Educated to Master degree level in a relevant engineering /manufacturing discipline or equivalent
- Fellow or Chartered Member of an industry related Professional Body is a plus
- Demonstrable experience of leading a manufacturing engineering function with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing engineering leadership delivering effective manufacturing engineering strategies, policies, innovative processes and systems
- Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
- Understanding of IIOT (Industrial Internet of things) is an advantage
- Experience of operating and influencing at a strategic level
- Experience from the Automotive industry is required


At Polestar, you will be part of a cross-functional and international team, with English as a natural language for written and spoken communication. Since Polestar’s in a scale-up phase you thrive by working in a fast-paced environment.



People at Polestar

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