Engineering Manager – Product & Sustaining (Mechanical)
Kent | Hybrid working | Up to c.£75,000 + package
Contact: Emily Powell, Associate Director at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment


Are you an experienced Engineering Manager who thrives on leading teams, solving real-world product challenges, and keeping critical products performing in the field?
This is a key leadership role within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, focused on sustaining existing products rather than new product development. If you enjoy problem-solving, technical leadership and developing engineers, this could be a strong fit.
The Role
You’ll take ownership of a well-established engineering team, leading the ongoing support and improvement of a complex product portfolio.
Your focus will include:
* Leading a team of c.10 engineers, driving performance, engagement and development
* Acting as a technical authority across mechanical design and product issues
* Managing real-world challenges such as material shortages, quality issues and field failures
* Ensuring products remain compliant, manufacturable and commercially viable
* Driving continuous improvement across processes, capability and output
* Working cross-functionally with quality, operations and supply chain to resolve issues quickly and effectively
This is a role where you’ll be close to the detail, not just managing from a distance.
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to speak with candidates who bring a strong blend of technical depth and proven leadership.
Key experience:
* Background in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering (or similar)
* Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (6–10+ reports)
* Strong understanding of design-led engineering environments (not purely process/production)
* Experience within a regulated industry (medical devices highly desirable)
* Exposure to plastic moulding, materials or tooling would be a significant advantage
* Comfortable operating in a sustaining / in-market product environment rather than NPI
Leadership style:
* A steady, collaborative leader who can integrate into an established team
* Confident in coaching, mentoring and managing performance
* Pragmatic, solutions-focused and calm under pressure
* Focused on continuous improvement, not unnecessary disruption
Why This Role?
* Lead a stable, well-performing team with real ownership
* Work on products already in the market, solving meaningful challenges
* Influence both technical direction and team development
* Join a business operating within a highly regulated, quality-driven environment
* Hybrid working with a strong balance of on-site collaboration and flexibility
Location & Package
* Kent-based role (hybrid – typically a minimum of 2 days on-site)
* Salary up to c.£75,000 with some flexibility for the right person
* Competitive wider benefits package
Important Considerations
* This role is not suited to candidates focused purely on NPI or innovation-led environments
* You must be comfortable with a hands-on, problem-solving sustaining environment
If you’re an Engineering Manager who enjoys leading from the front, developing teams and solving complex product challenges, we’d love to have a confidential conversation.