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What’s influencing the engineering and manufacturing jobs market?

The engineering and project management sectors are poised for growth in 2025, partly driven by a £4.5 billion government investment in UK manufacturing. This poses a great opportunity for businesses and professionals alike in priority sectors such as clean energy, supply chain, and the automotive industry.  

We sat with our expert engineering and manufacturing recruiters who live and breathe the industry to find out exactly what engineering and manufacturing jobs are on the rise, for hiring managers and job seekers to watch.

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In demand engineering and manufacturing jobs

Below are some of the hottest jobs you should keep your eye on in 2025. And remember, salaries can vary depending on things like experience, region, and the specific company or sector. The ranges below are indicative of averages from low to high across the UK.

Want to learn more about salaries across hundreds of roles in engineering and manufacturing? Download our Michael Page salary guides for a detailed breakdown of average salaries across the UK, across various industries and locations, empowering you to make informed decisions about your career or recruitment strategy.  

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1. Engineering Project Manager

Key skills: Leadership & communication, planning & organisation, risk management, technical know-how.

Why it's in demand: Projects are getting more and more complex, whether it's building skyscrapers, developing new energy sources, or creating the latest tech gadgets. Companies need skilled project managers to keep things on track, manage budgets, and make sure everything goes smoothly. Plus, with sustainability being a top priority, projects need to be designed and executed in a way that's good for the planet.

Salary range: £55,000 - £75,000

2. Maintenance Engineer

Key skills: Mechanical & electrical know-how, problem-solving, safety awareness, continuous learning.

Why it's in demand: Imagine a world where machines just magically fix themselves! While we're not quite there yet, skilled Maintenance Engineers are crucial to keeping things running smoothly in industries like manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They're the problem-solvers who keep equipment up and running, minimising downtime and making sure everything operates efficiently.

Salary range: £30,000 - £50,000

3. Health and Safety Manager

Key skills: Health & safety knowledge, risk assessment, communication, problem-solving.

Why it's in demand: Safety is (or at least should be!) everyone's top priority, especially when scaling up operations in a growing industry. That's where Health and Safety Managers play a vital role in creating safe and healthy work environments. They’re experts in regulations and compliance, ensuring everyone follows the rules and they identify potential hazards, making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

Salary range: £55,000 - £75,000

4. Manufacturing/Production Supervisor

Key skills: Leadership & team management, problem-solving, lean manufacturing knowledge.

Why it's in demand: In a high growth potential market, teamwork and efficiency are crucial. Production Supervisors play key leading roles, guiding teams to meet production goals and overcome any challenges that come their way. They use their skills to optimise production processes, reduce waste, and ensure things are running smoothly and efficiently.

Salary range: £24,400 - £42,300

5. Production Engineer

Key skills: Manufacturing processes & technologies, analytical & problem-solving, project management, continuous improvement.

Why it's in demand: Production Engineers are the brains behind the operation! They use their engineering expertise to design and improve production systems, find creative solutions to challenges, and lead projects that make manufacturing more efficient and sustainable.

Salary range: £30,000 - £46,800

Where next for top engineering and manufacturing jobs?

If you’re a hiring manager, use the key skills and insights outlined above to help you effectively identify and attract top engineering and manufacturing talent.

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And if you’re searching for your next opportunity, we hope these insights help you make informed career decisions and position yourself for success. Search for live jobs in engineering and manufacturing.

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