Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager (Hands-On)

Location: Little Melton, NR93NP

Full-Time, Permanent

Reporting to: Managing Director

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on Engineering Manager to lead our on-site engineering function and ensure that all factory equipment is reliable, safe, and fit for production.

Combining technical expertise, people leadership, and proactive problem-solving. You'll take ownership of the site's engineering strategy, covering planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance, continuous improvement, and compliance.

You'll also be responsible for managing budgets, contractors, and Health & Safety, while developing a high-performing engineering team. This is a role for someone who leads from the front — balancing strategic thinking with practical, hands-on delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team, setting clear expectations and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Plan, allocate, and oversee engineering workload, balancing proactive and reactive priorities.
• Track and drive key engineering KPIs (downtime, response times, PPM completion, cost control).
• Report performance metrics weekly to the Managing Director.
• Develop training and succession plans to build technical capability within the team.

Planned Preventative & Reactive Maintenance

• Design, implement, and manage a robust PPM system tailored to the site's needs.
• Oversee and personally carry out planned and reactive maintenance tasks across electrical, mechanical, and infrastructure areas.
• Perform root cause analysis of breakdowns and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Prioritise work to ensure minimal disruption to production.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Lead engineering improvement initiatives that increase equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Collaborate with production and technical teams to identify process bottlenecks and engineer practical solutions.
• Manage and support capital projects — including new equipment installation, upgrades, and commissioning.

Compliance & Contractor Management

• Act as the site lead for all engineering-related Health & Safety and food safety standards.
• Manage the permit-to-work system and ensure safe contractor control and supervision.
• Coordinate, oversee, and sign off external contractor work.
• Maintain compliance with statutory inspections (PAT, LOLER, pressure systems, etc.) and ensure accurate record keeping.

Budget & Stock Control

• Manage the engineering budget, ensuring cost control and value for money.
• Oversee spare parts stock, balancing cost efficiency with operational readiness.
• Conduct monthly stock checks and forecast engineering needs.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all engineering work complies with legislation and site policies.
• Act as the engineering lead during site or food safety incidents.
• Promote a strong safety culture — encouraging reporting of hazards and near misses and driving proactive solutions.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in engineering management or senior engineering roles within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical grounding in both electrical and mechanical systems, with hands-on maintenance capability.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing PPM systems.
• Skilled in fault diagnosis, root cause analysis, and sustainable problem-solving.
• Excellent multitasking and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience managing budgets and controlling maintenance costs.
• Computer literate — proficient in Microsoft Office and CMMS systems.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments, and permit-to-work systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work across all levels of the business and with external contractors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in an FMCG or food manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in capital projects, installations, or automation improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques (Kaizen, 5S, TPM).
• Degree-level qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering.

Behavioural Skills & Attributes

• Professional and ethical approach with high integrity.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead by example.
• Strong team leadership and motivational skills.
• Calm, decisive, and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills with strong attention to detail.
• Adaptable and flexible — able to respond to unplanned events while maintaining long-term focus.
• Confident communicator who can manage conflict constructively and foster collaboration across departments.

Other Desirable Experience

• Responsibility for statutory compliance (LOLER, pressure systems, PAT testing, etc.).
• Experience developing and tracking engineering KPIs.
• Experience managing contractors and supplier relationships.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking manufacturing business where engineering plays a critical role in production success.

You'll have the autonomy to shape the site's engineering function, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and make a tangible impact on performance, reliability, and safety. We're looking for a leader who is technically skilled, proactive, and ready to make a real difference.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced Engineering Manager who enjoys being both strategic and hands-on, we'd love to hear from you.

NO AGENCIES

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Profit sharing

Work Location: In person