Head of Engineering, Food Manufacture

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Engineering to lead the engineering strategy, reliability agenda, and site maintenance operations within our food manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring high equipment uptime, safe working practices, capital project delivery, and long-term asset care to support world-class manufacturing performance. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, drive a continuous improvement culture, and ensure engineering standards meet all food safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engineering Leadership

• Develop and implement a site-wide engineering strategy aligned with business goals, operational targets, and customer requirements.

• Lead a proactive maintenance philosophy (PPM, TPM, RCM) to improve equipment reliability and performance.

• Shape long-term asset care plans, budget forecasting, and engineering investment priorities.

• Drive innovation, automation, and improvements in equipment efficiency.

Maintenance Management

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance operations, ensuring rapid response, effective problem-solving, and minimal downtime.

• Ensure all engineering tasks comply with statutory requirements, manufacturer guidelines, and food safety standards.

• Set and monitor engineering KPIs (OEE, downtime, MTBF, MTTR, PPM completion).

Food Safety, Compliance & Safety Leadership

• Ensure engineering activities meet relevant food industry compliance requirements (BRCGS, retailer codes, HACCP support, allergen and hygiene controls).

• Champion a strong safety culture through safe working practices, permit-to-work systems, and compliance with PUWER, LOLER, and other regulations.

• Lead investigations into engineering-related incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a multi-skilled engineering team, including supervisors, planners, and technicians.

• Define clear roles, training plans, succession planning, and skills matrices.

• Create a high-performing, engaged engineering culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the scoping, planning, and execution of capital and infrastructure projects.

• Manage contractors, suppliers, and external partners to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.

• Support site-wide CI initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, automation upgrades, and digitisation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Technical, Health & Safety, NPD, and Supply Chain teams to support new product launches, trials, and operational improvements.

• Provide engineering expertise during site audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Head of Engineering, Engineering Manager, or Senior Engineering Leader in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, automation, and process engineering within FMCG or food production.

• Experienced in leading large engineering teams and driving performance improvements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million-pound capital projects.

• Excellent knowledge of statutory requirements and engineering safety standards.

• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets effectively.

• Ability to influence at all levels and lead cultural change.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related discipline).

• Chartered Engineer status (desirable).

• Relevant industry qualifications: IOSH/NEBOSH, Project Management, PLC/automation training (advantageous).