Title: Director (Consultant) - Manufacturing and Engineering
The Role
One of our leading consultancies are seeking a Director-level Consultant to join the team to support on a project with a client in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
You will lead the direction and delivery of a New Product Development (NPD) acceleration programme for a complex, low-volume platform manufacturer, working closely with senior leadership and engineering teams. You will report into the executive leadership team, with the objective of optimising product development performance, governance, and cross-functional integration.
Responsibilities
- Advise senior management teams on optimising NPD and NPI processes for complex, low-volume (luxury) vehicle programmes
- Design and implement Stage-Gate frameworks and Chief Engineer governance models
- Support executive stakeholders across automotive, aerospace, marine, and defence sectors
- Lead modular architecture and platform strategy transformations with engineering functions
- Apply QFD, MFD, and DSM methodologies to enhance cross-functional product integration
- Deliver platform rationalisation initiatives across portfolios of 10-20+ product variants
- Guide PLM and digital thread enhancements
- Translate capability gaps into prioritised and costed investment roadmaps
- Bridge engineering and leadership teams through structured, data-driven decision-making support
- Lead end-to-end transformation programmes and ensure sustained adoption beyond initial delivery
Requirements
- Proven experience operating at Director level within a top-tier consultancy
- Strong track record advising on NPD/NPI optimisation within complex, low-volume manufacturing environments
- Deep expertise in product development governance frameworks such as Stage-Gate and Engineer models
- Experience working across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, marine, or defence
- Demonstrated capability in modular architecture, platform strategy, and engineering transformation
- Practical application of QFD, MFD, DSM, and other systems engineering methodologies
- Experience delivering rationalisation programmes across diverse product portfolios
- Strong knowledge of PLM systems and digital thread technologies
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and translate technical insights into strategic action
- Experience leading large-scale transformation programmes with measurable, sustained outcomes
Details
- Start date: Mid-May 2026
- Duration: 4-6 Weeks
- Day rate: LTD
- Location: Client site visits + events