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Mark Bignell

Managing Consultant

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Mark Bignell (MBA) has over 25 years’ experience in technical recruitment as both a consultant and senior manager, providing a professional and consultative approach to clients and candidates.

With extensive account management experience, Mark has nurtured and developed strategic relationships within the transportation industries including automotive, aerospace, motorsport and rail, sourcing high calibre candidates for positions on both a contract and permanent basis, from engineers to senior managers.

Adept at delivering contingency, retained and project based recruitment activities, Mark is an advocate of a partnership approach, building strong relationships through effective communication and robust recruitment processes.

Browse Mark's latest jobs

Project Engineer (Launch)

Project Engineer (Launch) £Competitive Banbury Automotive, launch, manufacturing, PPAP, APQP, DVP, FMEA, BOM, timing, delivery A Project Engineer is required with knowledge of product launch into manufacturing from new product design within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received. Due to introduction of new products and new vehicle build programs this company, a world class manufacturing of automotive parts and systems based Banbury requires a high calibre, well organized and proactive Project Engineer to support the launch of new products into manufacturing for a new permanent role. As a Project Engineer you will support the Project manager in driving forward new product launch activities into production ensuring that the project is on time and within set quality targets. The position will require you to: Support Project Manager on preparation of risk assessment of new projects Generate and update Bill of Materials and process flow charts Co-ordinate generation of FMEA and be a key team member Support Project Manager on design and process feasibility studies Liaison with Production, Engineering & Programme Management for process development Liaise and support Project Quality Engineer on DVP testing, statistical analysis and capability studies, new gauge / check fixtures development and PPAP submission process Co-ordinate production and assembly trials along with production operators training Support trials both in Banbury and at toolmakers / equipment manufacturers Support manufacturing on generation of production equipment and fixture specification Support Project Manager on Purchase Requisitions, keeping track of project expenditures Coordinate prototype and pre-production builds and delivery to customer Support customer visits for build trial events and complaint issues Comply with APQP requirements The Project Engineer should have the following skills or experience: Production engineering of new product onto site Product launch and NPI to support the delivery of new components into manufacturing Knowledge of quality standards To project a professional image of the company to customers / visitors To use the escalation procedure for any issues/concerns e.g. Quality / downtime This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of launching products from concept through to production within a 1st Tier automotive organisation or OEM seeking to develop and your career within a forward thinking organisation. In return for your experience, this Banbury-based Automotive company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Benefits package Career development within the upfront development and launch of some exciting new vehicle programs Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of product launch within the automotive arena and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Project Engineers role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Banbury, Oxfordshire

Project Quality Engineer

Project Quality Engineer £Competitive Banbury Automotive, launch, quality, manufacturing, PPAP, APQP, DVP, FMEA, R&R, measurement A Project Quality Engineer is required with knowledge of product launch and process development for new product introduction within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received. Due to introduction of new products and new vehicle build programs this company, a world class manufacturing of automotive parts and systems based Banbury requires a high calibre, well organized and proactive Project Quality Engineer who is an excellent problem solver to support the launch of new products into manufacturing for a new permanent role. As a Project Quality Engineer you will support Quality Engineering in driving forward new product launch activities into production ensuring that the project is on time and within set quality targets. The position will require you to: Assist with new product design and process development Preparation of PPAP package for submission to customer Delivery of FMEA, SPC, capability studies and generate/update Control Plans Establish significant and critical characteristics with the customer and suppliers Liaison with Production Engineering and Project Management during and following analysis to enable process development Co-ordination and management of DVP testing to deliver findings to customer Co-ordination and participation in new gauge/fixture development fixture (R&R studies) Support trials both in Banbury and at toolmakers / equipment manufacturers to provide required Quality advice and support Driver of APQP process with suppliers during project phase Generate gauge / check fixture specification and agree with customer Presentation of dimensional results to customer during build status events Review and approval of supplier PPAP package while compiling of customer APQP files The Project Quality Engineer should have the following skills or experience: Quality Engineering of new product onto site Product launch and NPI to support the delivery of new components into manufacturing Knowledge of quality standards and IATF16949 and APQP process To project a professional image of the company to customers / visitors To use the escalation procedure for any issues/concerns e.g. Quality / downtime This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of product quality in launching products from concept through to production within a 1st Tier automotive organisation or OEM seeking to develop and your career within a forward thinking organisation. In return for your experience, this Banbury-based Automotive company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Benefits package Career development within the upfront development and launch of some exciting new vehicle programs Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of product launch within the automotive arena and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Project Quality Engineers role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Banbury, Oxfordshire

Tooling Engineer

Tooling Engineer £Competitive Banbury Automotive, launch, moulding, tooling, tool trials, feasibility, APQP A Tooling Engineer is required with knowledge in the development and commissioning of injection moulding tools to support new product launch programme's within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received but not essential. Due to a new vehicle build programs this company, a world class manufacturing of automotive parts and systems based Banbury requires a high calibre and proactive Tooling Engineer who is an excellent problem solver to support the launch of new tools into manufacturing for a new permanent role. As a Tooling Engineer you will support the Project Manager in driving forward new product launch activities. The Tooling Engineer will be required to: Be the key point of contact for specific project activities related to plastic moulding tools Support FMEA's, tooling design and feasibility studies Participate in Project Meetings, reporting tooling technical issues and potential resolutions Manage the mould tooling and related equipment for all projects Look for more cost effective tooling and methods Attend and manage tool trials and issue Tool Trial Report Assist with repairs where necessary and engineer solutions to tooling problems Monitor manufacture of tooling, ensuring timing and quality targets are met Support Purchasing in the effective procurement of the optimum tooling for the business Liaise with Group with reference to tooling procurement, assess potential future toolmakers and file visit reports Evaluate latest technology in injection mould tooling Ensure new tooling conforms to the latest H&S legislation including risk assessments Liaison with Production, Engineering & Project Team for moulding process development Ensure products manufactured with new mould tools meet required quality and dimensions Comply with APQP requirements The Tooling Engineer should have the following skills or experience: Tooling Engineering of new product onto site Product launch and NPI to support the delivery of new components into manufacturing Knowledge of quality standards and IATF16949 and APQP process To project a professional image of the company to customers / visitors To use the escalation procedure for any issues/concerns e.g. Quality / downtime This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of launching new mould tools into production seeking to develop and your career within a forward thinking organisation. In return for your experience, this Banbury-based Automotive company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Benefits package Career development within the upfront development and launch of some exciting new vehicle programs Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of new tooling development and delivery (injection moulding) and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Tooling Engineers role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Banbury, Oxfordshire

Project Manager (Launch)

Project Manager (Launch) £Competitive Banbury Automotive, launch, manufacturing, design, DFMEA, PFMEA, project management, cost, timing A Project Manager is required with knowledge of product launch from design into manufacturing within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received. Due to introduction of new products and new vehicle build programs this company, a world class manufacturing of automotive parts and systems based Banbury requires a high caliber, well organized and proactive Project Manager with previous experience in launching products into manufacturing from design concept stage for a new permanent role. As a Project Manager you will lead a team driving a project from concept phase through design, tooling development and into production ensuring that the project is on time, within budget and to set quality targets. The position will require you to: Manage and successful delivery automotive projects following the IATF16949 APQP process Plan, organise, set goals, and make decisions to safeguard and manage project specifics Ensure all required production facilities are on time and within planned cost Be the key point of contact for the customer for a specific project Lead, motivate and delegate to a cross-functional team Assess manufacturing requirements for a new project by liaising with all relevant personnel then create Human Resource requirement models Contribute as a team member to DFMEAs and PFMEAs for a specific project Customer liaison and reporting of project technical issues and potential resolutions. Assist the engineering department in developing new systems and procedures Ensure proper communication of issues and project development status to team members, senior management and other stakeholders The Project manager should have the following skills or experience: Experience of managing project development within the automotive industry Knowledge of injection moulding, painting, welding, bonding and assembly (desirable) Experience of working with major OEM's a must Ability to work on own initiative and manage a team Strong commercial and business acumen with budget management experience Knowledge of one or more foreign languages is desirable (German preferred) This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of launching products from concept through to production within a 1st tier automotive organisation or OEM seeking to develop and your career within a forward thinking organisation. In return for your experience, this Banbury-based Automotive company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Benefits package Career development within the upfront development and launch of some exciting new vehicle programs Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of managing product launch within the automotive arena and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Project Managers role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Banbury, Oxfordshire

Project Engineer - Seating

Project Engineer (Seating) £26 to £35 P/H Ltd Coventry Seating, ProdSuct Development, Plastics, Project, Delivery, Gateways A Project Engineer (Seating) is required with knowledge of Seating Systems development within the automotive/motorsport arena. Candidates with experience of the automotive industry would be well received. Due to the development securing of new vehicle programs this company, a world class and innovative organisation based in Coventry requires a Project Engineer (Seating) with seating components and systems knowledge for a long-term contract role. As a Project Engineer (Seating), you will be responsible for: Technical Design and conformity to package and customer specifications. Drawing Release with 'freeze' against each Programme build milestone. DFMEA creation and update and release against the milestones. All design changes post initial prototype tool release to use Change Management Process. PLM system and Change Management Process PLM system. Medium and short-term CAD resource management, ensuring CAD Designers workload / priorities match those of the Programme Timeline and Customer Releases. Support Plant issues when proven root cause is base design (not quality / process) Customer liaison and reporting of project technical issues and potential resolutions. Data release and Control with documented status and actions on a regular basis. VE/VA to engineered / feasible solutions with detail drawings/prototype trial samples. Management of Test and Development DV / PV and virtual CAE analysis. Checking of all data prior to Release (to customer/ supplier or other interested parties) The Project Engineer (Seating) should have the following skills or experience: Detailed seating (seat structures and seat complete) engineering knowledge DFMEA - Qualified to 'User level' Automotive Seating experience Appreciation of CAE techniques and Process with understanding of CAD (NX/Catia) VE/VA techniques (cost pareto etc) This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of seating systems allied with strong project delivery skills seeking a long-term contract. In return for your experience, this Coventry based creative organisation will offer you: £26 P/H to £35 P/H Ltd Excellent opportunity to work on new vehicle programs within a long-term contract Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of seating systems and components allied with project delivery skills and wish to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Project Engineer (Seating) role, please contact Lois Weston at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384446119 or email .

Contract / Coventry, West Midlands

Project Manager

Project Manager £Competitive Bridgnorth Automotive, Aerospace, machining, casting, costing, delivery, gateway, management A Project Manager is required with knowledge of project delivery, costing, tooling and product/process development within cast and machined components. Candidates with experience of the automotive, motorsport and/or aerospace industry would be well received. Due to continued growth and new market penetration this company, a world class engineering and manufacturing organisation of cast and machined components based in Bridgnorth requires a forward thinking and proactive Project Manager with experience of delivering strategic projects within new product development on a permanent basis. As a Project Manager you will be required to: Project leadership to meet customer and company objectives Ensure enquiries and quotations carried out in line with the Company's New Product Introduction (NPI) process. Manage projects through the Company's New Product Introduction (NPI) process incorporated in the ISO system Communicate project/ product progress and issues to customers & internal resource. Delegate to, and steer, the operations team towards satisfactory delivery projects Cost projects, engineering, tooling and manufacturing Develop new business to enrich foundry capacity This role includes the possibility of overseas travel The Project Manager should have the following skills or experience: In depth understanding of the engineering, tooling, casting and machining processes Automotive, motorsport, aerospace and or/ defence industry experience Experience of organising multiple tasks / projects with good communication skills and business acumen Experience of using ISO Quality Standards and using internal NPI process Experience of completing quotations and understanding commercial terms and conditions. Demonstrable and proven experience of business / account development This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of Project Management in a machining or casting environment seeking to develop your career. In return for your experience, this Bridgnorth based Automotive/Motorsport company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Pension, Healthcare, Life Assurance Excellent career development and progression Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of Project and Programme delivery within a casting and machining environment and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Project Manager's role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Programme Manager

Programme Manager £Competitive Bridgnorth Automotive, Aerospace, machining, casting, costing, delivery, gateway, management A Programme Manager is required with knowledge of programme delivery, costing, tooling and product/process development within cast and machined components. Candidates with experience of the automotive, motorsport and/or aerospace industry would be well received. Due to continued growth and new market penetration this company, a world class engineering and manufacturing organisation of cast and machined components based in Bridgnorth requires a forward thinking and proactive Programme Manager with experience of delivering strategic project within new product development on a permanent basis. As a Programme Manager you will be required to: Manage all aspects of the strategic Programmes and Projects across the business for new product development utilizing effective systems, processes and methodology. Provide robust plans that cover all eventualities and corrective actions to ensure that timing plans and cost constraints are achieved. Effectively manage all resources within the programmes, negotiating with key stakeholders to resolve problems that arise covering all development issues. The Programme Manager should have the following skills or experience: Extensive experience of programme/project management - using a recognised methodology - with responsibility for overall programme delivery, risk management and budget Experience of managing a cross-discipline team Experience of strategy definition, communications and stakeholder management Proven problem-solving and influencing skills Able to work on own initiative in all areas of work, be capable of making decisions within the remit of the programme and take personal responsibility for making things happen Team player, with ability to build strong relationships with all staff Experience of working within client facing project roles This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of Programme Management in a machining or casting environment seeking to develop your career. In return for your experience, this Bridgnorth based Automotive/Motorsport company will offer you: £Competitive Salary Pension, Healthcare, Life Assurance Excellent career development and progression Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of Project and Programme delivery within a casting and machining environment and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Programme Manager's role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446167 or email

Permanent / Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Test Engineer

Test Engineer Salary up to £45,000 Telford A Test Engineer is required with knowledge of component testing and experience in manufacturing. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received. Due to business growth this company, one of the world's 20 largest suppliers and a development partner to the automotive industry based in Telford requires an experienced Test Engineer with OEM / supplier experience for a new permanent role. As a Test Engineer you will be required to: Provide technical engineering support as required for plant based activities including Quality analysis DoE Assist the Quality team with reviewing customer test and material specifications, providing valued feedback to project teams. Develop and provide timely and comprehensive test reports as required. Provide ES Test Specification support and consultation to Quality Lab Personnel. The Test Engineer should have the following skills or experience: Direct experience in automotive component testing with OEMs and suppliers. Experience in manufacturing (processing and related equipment) or product engineering Good knowledge of physics, mathematics and mechanical engineering principles Understanding of measurement transducers / instrumentation systems related to basic physical properties. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of automotive component testing to develop your career. In return for your experience, this Telford-based automotive company will offer you: Up to £45,000 (DOE) Plus, benefits Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of component testing and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Test Engineer role, please contact Mark Bignell at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446 167.

Permanent / Telford, Shropshire

Senior Sales Engineer

Senior Sales Engineer £40,000 to £50,000 pa plus benefits West Midlands Automotive, OEM, 1st Tier, Sales, Account Management, Negotiation, Commercial A Senior Sales Engineer is required with knowledge of Sales and Account Management for leading 1st Tier Suppliers and OEM's. Candidates with experience of the Automotive industry would be well received. Due to an increase in orders and new program tendering this company, a global 1st Tier suppliers based in West Midlands requires a commercially astute and proactive Senior Sales Engineer with extensive automotive experience for a new permanent role. As a Senior Sales Engineer you will be required to: Coordinate of all the BU sales activities (acquisition, development, serial life) Support your team members in their activity with the customer by participating regularly in customer meetings (progress reviews, quality reviews, commercial meetings) Deliver against the Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) of Cash Management, Commercial Claims and Recoveries, Acquisition, Margin Improvement and Overdues in-line with budget Develop and improve processes that support Contractualisation Ensure proper documentation of all prices and written communication to customer Participate in the annual productivity negotiation within the budget parameters Support the Acquisition objectives by understanding the market price, coordinating with the internal global team and Client stakeholders (Purchasing, Engineering, and STA teams) Contribute to development of the Strategic Account Plan (SAP) & Plan Medium Term(PMT) Understand the escalation process for any subject (internally, externally) Support claims negotiation at the appropriate level with the customer (missing production, raw material, engineering changes, volume degradation, etc.) The Senior Sales Engineer should have the following skills or experience: Degree in engineering or business with a specialisation in sales Minimum 2 years' experience in Sales and Automotive industry (exhaust systems; powertrain; BIW; seating or interiors preferable) Change Agent mind set Results oriented with strong written and oral communications skills Ability to work in a matrixed organisation International mind set This is an excellent opportunity for anyone with knowledge of the automotive 1st Tier and OEM's seeking to develop your career. In return for your experience, this West Midlands based automotive company will offer you: £40,000 to £45,000 pa plus benefits Career development and progression within a global automotive supplier Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of sales and account management within the automotive 1st Tier or OEM's and want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about the Senior Sales Engineers role, please contact Scott Williams at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446138 or email

Permanent / Shirley, West Midlands

Senior Design Engineer, IP / Console

Job title: Senior Design Engineer (Instrument Panel / Console) Location: South West Automotive, CAD, Design, Development, IP, Console A Senior Engineer is required with knowledge of concept and series delivery of IP systems. Candidates with a creative approach and experience of design and development of in-house components and sub-systems, as well as the management of suppliers would be well received. Due to the development of a new state of the art vehicle, this company, a technology leader and pioneering company based in South West, requires a creative and innovative Senior Engineer with experience of delivering relevant Automotive component/system within OEM/Tier 1. As a Senior Engineer you will be required to: Generate unique, innovative concepts utilising the latest material and construction technologies. Ensure IP system compliance to global regulations and standards. Design verification through the utilisation of both CAE simulation as well as "real world" tools. Liaise and manage partners' and suppliers' delivery to timing and system level targets / specifications. Support the PMST leads with the IP system project delivery. Report on the IP system project status at varying levels of the organisation, as well as facilitating and presenting within technical reviews. Requirements Eligibility to live and work in the UK Degree Qualified within a relevant Automotive / Engineering discipline. Min. 5 years' experience within the Interior Engineering discipline, primarily responsible for IP systems. Experience with overseeing the integration of IP safety systems from concept to series release, including the design verification. Able to interrogate CAD data, with a level of competency with CAD modelling. Experience with NX software is ideal. Has experience with risk management and has a competency at balancing product and project delivery requirements. Is able to confidently and competently communicate complex issues to varying levels of audiences in an effective manner both verbally and in writing. Has the ability and flexibility to work effectively in an evolving environment as well as able to react positively and adapt to challenging situations. Willing to think outside of the box and challenge the norm with a realistic approach. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Engineer to join a company enjoying huge expansion and develop their career. In return for their experience, this South West-based innovative automotive company will offer you: great basic salary plus bonus and benefits an excellent working environment that focuses on innovation and creativity Career progression and development Demand for this role will undoubtedly be high and interviews will be arranged very soon. If you have knowledge of delivering design programs within the Automotive arena and you want to be considered, please apply today. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Chiara Caterisano at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446157 or email

Permanent / Bristol, England