Engineering Manager

I’m working with a fast-growing, values-led food manufacturer that’s at a pivotal stage of its factory journey. This is a senior, hands-on engineering leadership role where you’ll shape the long-term capability of the site, not just keep the lights on. My client has grown from a challenger brand into a multi-channel food business supplying all the major UK retailers, with international expansion underway across Europe and the US. The factory produces some of the brand’s best-known products and is now gearing up for site expansion, increased automation, and more technically complex machinery. This role sits on the Factory Senior Leadership Team and reports directly into the Factory Lead. It’s a genuine opportunity to step in, raise the engineering bar, and build something properly. Role Overview This isn’t a “steady-state” maintenance job. You’ll be setting the engineering and maintenance direction for the factory, bringing structure, forward planning and technical depth where it’s needed most. The site has good people, but they need someone to join the dots, prioritise properly, and lead the transition from reactive to proactive engineering. * Strategic leadership (machinery strategy, capex, site master planning) * Electro-mechanical depth (PLC, controls, wiring, automation) * People leadership (developing and growing a small but committed team) * Projects (layout changes, machinery upgrades, future capacity) The engineering function will grow, and this role will grow with it. Requirements: * Strong electro-mechanical engineering experience in Food Manufacturing or FMCG * Confidence with PLCs, controls, machine wiring and fault-finding (Allen Bradley experience is a big plus) * Experience owning or influencing capex, automation and machinery upgrades * The ability to organise, prioritise and lead, not just fix * A mindset geared towards growth, structure and continuous improvement Team & Culture You’ll inherit a small engineering function with good knowledge on site, but limited structure. One team member is excellent at reactive problem-solving; another needs development and direction. What they lack is someone who can pull it all together, plan properly, and raise standards. If you enjoy turning potential into performance, this will suit you. Apply Here