Description

Caudwell Marine is a pioneering UK marine engineering company, backed by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell. We are redefining marine propulsion through the development of a diesel outboard system built for uncompromising performance, reliability and control in all conditions, with a global product launch planned for 2026. As a growing and ambitious business, we are focused on delivering cutting-edge technology designed for the toughest marine environments and turning innovation into real-world impact.

At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays an important role in shaping the future of the company. Our approach is built around being confident, committed and consistent in everything we do. Driven by endurance and powered by people, we are building a team that sets high standards and is helping redefine the future of marine propulsion.

Role & Responsibilities

The Senior Assembly Operator, reporting to our Head of Manufacturing, is a hands-on senior position within our Manufacturing function, responsible for leading from the front by actively building engines on the line while driving standards and ensuring daily production and test targets are achieved. This is not a desk-based supervisory role; the successful candidate will be expected to work on the tools daily, step in wherever the line needs support, and drive pace, quality, and accountability across the team, acting as the senior technical presence on the shop floor and the key escalation point for build and test issues, while also supporting overtime requirements when needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Build engines and support test operations daily.
• Cover absences and support bottleneck stations.
• Maintain productivity in line with output targets and build schedules.
• Run daily SQDCP Tier 1 meetings.
• Report KPIs, shortages, quality issues, and delivery risks.
• Work closely with Production Planning to execute build schedules.
• Escalate risks early to avoid production disruption.
• Ensure defects are logged, investigated, and retested correctly.
• Drive root cause problem solving on the line.
• Prevent repeat issues through disciplined process control.
• Maintain 5S and waste reduction standards.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the full build and test process.
• Ensure latest design revisions are correctly implemented.
• Support manufacturing trials and engineering changes.
• Work closely with Test Engineers to prepare rigs and hardware.
• Drive performance management activities including maintaining the training matrix, challenging poor standards or behaviours, and promoting a performance-focused culture.
• Support overtime requirements when needed to meet production demand.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven hands-on assembly experience within a high-performance manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of assembly and test operations.
• Comfortable holding others accountable and maintaining high standards.
• Confident stepping in to resolve problems and support the wider team.
• Strong work ethic with a visible and proactive shop floor presence.
• Experience working to production targets and quality standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Manufacturing, Planning, and Engineering teams

Personal Attributes

• Consistent, confident, and committed approach to work.
• Calm, approachable, and professional leadership style.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing production demands.
• Technically curious with a hands-on mindset.
• Proactive problem solver with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as senior assembly operator, shift leader or team leader.
• Alternative formal qualifications or demonstrable technical training will be considered.
• Evidence of high technical competence in mechanical and/or electronic systems.

Disclaimer

Caudwell Marine operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for recruitment agencies, which is currently not under review. Agencies not on our PSL are kindly requested to refrain from submitting speculative CVs or contacting our hiring managers or employees directly regarding recruitment matters.

Please note that any CVs submitted by non-PSL agencies, whether speculative or otherwise, will be treated as unsolicited.