Engineering Manager

Role Overview

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
This position leads the sites engineering function, taking ownership of plant performance, equipment reliability, and overall technical standards. The focus is on ensuring production assets and facilities run safely, efficiently, and consistently, while driving a step change in engineering maturity and performance.
Operating within a continuous multi-shift environment, the role is responsible for embedding a structured maintenance approach, strengthening engineering capability, and improving operational uptime. There is an expectation to provide support beyond core hours where required, including participation in an on-call rota.
Key Accountabilities
Provide leadership to the engineering team across all shifts, setting clear expectations and maintaining strong communication and accountability
Develop and enhance the sites preventative maintenance strategy, ensuring plans are executed effectively and deliver measurable improvements
Drive asset performance by reducing downtime and improving reliability across production and packing operations
Ensure appropriate engineering support is available to meet the needs of a 24-hour, multi-shift operation
Contribute to out-of-hours support through an on-call structure and provide additional cover where operational demand requires
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, performance, and overall equipment effectiveness
Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to eliminate recurring issues
Introduce and embed best practice approaches in reliability and continuous improvement
Support the delivery of capital investment projects, including installation and commissioning of new equipment
Ensure all engineering activities meet required health & safety standards and internal policies
Maintain compliance with food safety and quality requirements, ensuring equipment and processes meet regulatory and customer expectations
Manage engineering documentation, maintenance records, and statutory compliance activities
Lead or support audits relating to engineering, including customer and regulatory assessments
Oversee spare parts management, ensuring the right balance between availability, cost, and obsolescence
Manage external suppliers and contractors, ensuring safe and effective delivery of work on site
Develop the engineering team through coaching, regular reviews, and structured development plans
Foster a culture focused on ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Candidate Profile
You will bring experience leading engineering or maintenance functions within a food or FMCG manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems.
Youll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-shift setting and have a track record of improving equipment performance through structured maintenance and continuous improvement techniques.
A working knowledge of food safety standards (e.g. BRC, HACCP) and health & safety requirements is essential. xwzovoh Exposure to lean, reliability, or world-class manufacturing principles would be advantageous.
Personal Style
Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage and motivate teams
Analytical mindset with a structured approach to problem-solving
Proactive and hands-on when required, with a focus on delivering results
Organised and able to prioritise effectively in a demanding environment
Adaptable, with the flexibility to respond to changing operational needs