Group Engineering Manager

Group Engineering ManagerReporting to: Head of OperationsDirect reports: Engineering Coordinator and Maintenance EngineersRole PurposeTo lead and manage the engineering function across multiple sites, ensuring effective maintenance of facilities, plant and equipment, driving continuous improvement, minimising downtime and controlling costs.Key ResponsibilitiesMaintain internal and external facilities across all sites.Ensure planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is completed in accordance with maintenance schedules.Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure identified follow-up work is completed.Provide timely support for production breakdowns, prioritising work safely and efficiently.Coordinate planned downtime with production schedules and ensure appropriate engineering and production handovers before equipment is returned to service.Ensure engineering work requests are correctly recorded and managed.Support production teams in the safe and effective use of machinery to improve equipment reliability and lifespan.Develop and monitor engineering KPIs, including breakdown downtime, maintenance workload and PPM completion rates.Prepare annual engineering budgets, control expenditure and report performance regularly to the Head of Operations.Manage engineering spare parts and stock levels to minimise downtime while controlling inventory costs.Identify and implement improvements to maintenance routines, processes and facilities to reduce costs, downtime and product waste.Lead or support capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, including equipment installations and upgrades, evaluating supplier quotations to achieve value for money.Encourage engineering-led improvement projects in collaboration with production and site management.Lead, motivate and develop the engineering team, promoting teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.Provide technical guidance, mentoring and appropriate training to engineering staff.Conduct performance and development reviews twice yearly.Work with the training function to support production staff in the safe and correct operation of machinery.Represent engineering within the management team and maintain effective communication across departments.Ensure engineering activities comply with relevant health and safety legislation, site procedures and industry standards.Manage external contractors, ensuring compliance with site health and safety requirements.Participate in site health, safety and environmental (HSE) committee meetings.Support compliance with HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), hygiene and quality requirements.Ensure engineering activities support product quality, customer requirements and the integrity of products manufactured for external brands.Work closely with operations, production, technical, planning, health and safety, and training teams to ensure effective site performance.Act as the main engineering contact for other departments.Support production process improvements and product development activities to enhance quality and consistency.Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.Skills, Knowledge and ExperienceKnowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering.Experience in engineering maintenance within a manufacturing environment.Understanding of PPM, HACCP, health and safety, GMP and relevant industry standards.Proven leadership, team management and employee development skills.Strong communication, problem-solving and analytical abilities.Good IT and numerical skills, including budget management and KPI reporting.Self-motivation, initiative, flexibility and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.A proactive approach to maintenance, equipment reliability and continuous improvement.Full, valid driving licence.Discipline(s): Food & DrinkJob type: Permanent