Customer Solutions Engineering Manager

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Customer Solutions Engineering (CSE) Manager – to lead our high-performing engineering team in the North & Midlands regions. You will lead a high-performing engineering team responsible for delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions in the lift industry. You will drive strategic improvements, foster a culture of continuous innovation, and ensure operational excellence across projects. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of engineering delivery at KONE, with a strong emphasis on customer-centric stakeholder collaboration, technical leadership, and business impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Lead the execution of major lift projects, ensuring timely delivery, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive continuous process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Monitor market trends and technological advancements to proactively evolve engineering solutions and methodologies.
• Develop and manage strategic roadmaps for the CSE team aligned with business objectives.

Innovation & Technical Leadership

• Champion innovation in engineering solutions, integrating lifecycle thinking (installability, maintainability) into project planning.
• Provide expert technical consultancy to internal teams and external customers, influencing specifications and solution design.
• Ensure compliance with engineering policies, safety standards, and local codes.
• Promote collaborative relationships across departments to drive shared success.

Performance & Results Focus

• Lead performance management initiatives, using data-driven insights to improve team output and project outcomes.
• Manage costing strategies to ensure cost-effective and competitive solutions.
• Deliver high-quality inputs for sourcing and supply chain planning.
• Provide expert insights to support sourcing strategies and supply chain optimization.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to Sales, Operations, Supply Line and clients, delivering value through strategic technical consultancy and pre-tender guidance.
• Participate in key client engagements to influence specifications and ensure our solutions exceed customer expectations.
• Build strong internal networks with cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and achieve shared goals.

Leadership & Team Development

• Inspire, coach, and lead a skilled engineering team, fostering a customer-focused culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear development roadmaps for the team, aligning skills and performance with business targets.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and one-on-one coaching to unlock individual potential and team excellence.
• Coach and mentor team members through regular one-on-one sessions and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to team success.

Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience managing teams in complex project environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, and data analysis tools.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for solving complex problems and driving results.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and implement improvements across systems, tools, and workflows.
• Deep understanding of engineering principles and project cost management.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

What KONE can offer:

We offer a competitive salary, 25 days + Bank Holidays +1 paid Volunteering Day, Company Pension Scheme, Private Medical Insurance, Bonus, EV Car, PDI, Dental Insurance, Gymflex Membership, Life/Partner Assurance & Critical Illness Insurance, Kone Discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme, Long Service Awards, 24/7 GP Support & Wellbeing Access, Employee Assistance Programme, Hybrid Working and Career Development Opportunities to support and help you achieve your goals.

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on https://kone.com/global/en/careers.html