Manufacturing Engineering Director (Defence Sector | Machining & Assembly)

SUMMARY:
Manufacturing Engineering Director (Defence Sector | Machining & Assembly)
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
💰 R1.5 million CTC

Lead advanced manufacturing in a high-performance, defence-aligned environment.
We are seeking a seasoned Manufacturing Engineering leader to drive engineering excellence within a globally competitive, defence-oriented manufacturing operation. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-spec, precision-engineered products where quality, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable.
If you thrive in environments that demand technical rigor, operational discipline, and continuous innovation, this role is for you.

POSITION INFO:
🎯 Your Impact
You will lead the Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Tooling functions, ensuring:

• Precision-driven, compliant manufacturing systems
• Reliable, efficient machining and assembly operations
• Engineering alignment with stringent defence and international standards
• Continuous improvement in cost, quality, and throughput

• Lead and optimise machining and assembly processes in a high-spec environment
• Ensure accuracy of BOMs, routings, and ERP (SAP) master data
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support industrialisation of complex products with strict quality requirements
• Collaborate with local and international customers, including defence-related stakeholders

• Drive TPM and preventative maintenance strategies to ensure maximum uptime
• Improve tooling reliability and availability for precision manufacturing
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and machinery standards (GCC advantageous)

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams
• Drive CAPEX investment programmes aligned to capacity and efficiency
• Embed a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Align engineering strategy with business growth in a regulated, high-performance sector

• BEng / BTech Mechanical Engineering
• 10–15 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering (machining/assembly essential)
• 5+ years in senior leadership (Head/Director level)
• Experience in highly regulated industries (Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Heavy Engineering advantageous)
• Strong exposure to:
• Lean / continuous improvement
• ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Process optimisation and industrialisation
• Exposure to AS9100 / ISO 9001 / defence quality standards advantageous
• GCC (advantageous)

• Experience working in or supplying into the defence or similarly regulated sectors
• Strong understanding of quality, traceability, and compliance requirements
• Ability to balance technical depth with strategic leadership
• Proven track record of improving cost, quality, and operational performance

• Work in a defence-aligned, high-spec manufacturing environment
• Be part of a business delivering mission-critical engineered products
• Shape engineering strategy in a complex, globally connected operation
• Competitive executive package