Job Description

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