Technical Manager - Searley Owen Ltd : Job Details

Technical Manager

£40,000 - £45,000 Per Annum

Suffolk

Technical Manager needed to join a large furniture manufacturer in Suffolk. As the Technical Manager you will join the Product Development Team. You will provide technical and engineering support across the company, customers, and suppliers to facilitate seamless product development and quality assurance.

This role is a real mix of product development, quality assurance, documentation, and technical support. This is a role of wearing many hats, and so welcome applications from a range of backgrounds including, new product introduction or quality assurance. You could also be a hands on engineer with commercial experience.

Day to Day Duties

• Assist in managing the product development process, ensuring smooth transitions from initial design brief to prototyping, production, and stock management.
• Manage the creation, documentation, and organization of product specifications, including technical details and compliance documents.
• Work closely with the procurement team by providing clear product specifications and coordinating sampling and prototyping efforts to meet company standards.
• Facilitate communication between departments to support the efficient introduction of new products, ensuring alignment of technical requirements and project timelines.
• Assist with the review and evaluation of product samples, ensuring they meet required standards and are fit for purpose.
• Oversee the technical aspects of product quality, including supplier corrective actions, root cause analysis, and identifying opportunities for supply chain quality improvements.
• Assist in monitoring supplier performance, addressing non-conformance issues, and supporting efforts to ensure suppliers meet health and safety standards, along with responsible business practices.
• Contribute to efforts aimed at improving products or processes, supporting cost-saving and efficiency initiatives wherever possible.

Key Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in CAD software - you do not need to be a designer, its more about understanding technical drawings.
• Some experience in product design and development preferred.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Adaptable, flexible, and able to work across teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Resilient with a focus on continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits

• A basic salary of up to £45,000 depending on experience
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays (4 days to be kept back for Christmas Shutdown)
• 1 additional day’s holiday after 5 years’ service.
• Car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Company Sick pay
• Annual performance bonus

Key words: Quality Management, NPI, New Product Introduction, Product Development, CAD, Solidworks, Non Conformance, Supplier Management, Supplier Performance