The company
Are you an experienced Engineering Leader ready to transform a complex, high-volume manufacturing site?

Do you want the autonomy to modernise legacy assets, uplift engineering capability, and influence best practice across a wider group?
This is a rare opportunity to lead the Engineering function within an established food manufacturing business, supplying high-profile retail customers.


The role
Why this role matters:

This site is undergoing significant change and investment, with a newly refreshed senior leadership team and a strong appetite for improvement. It needs a Head of Engineering who can:
*Lead and develop a 40-strong engineering team across maintenance, site services and shift operations.
*Drive a step change in reliability, availability, efficiency and proactive maintenance.
*Modernise ageing equipment, including legacy lines with challenging spare-part availability.
*Build confidence and capability across Engineering, Production, Quality and the wider senior team.

Your impact will directly influence future CapEx and automation investment.

What you will be leading:
*A large, complex operation with four main lines, frequent changeovers and seasonal campaigns.
*Legacy machinery — including equipment with century-old components — requiring structured maintenance and strategic problem-solving.
*A loyal engineering team that is committed but requires strong leadership, coaching and clear expectations.
*A site with genuine ambition and corporate backing, ready for transformation once fundamentals improve.

The candidate
What we are looking for:

A credible, strategic and hands-on Engineering Leader who can:
*Set direction, inspire through multiple layers, and hold people accountable.
*Coach and uplift performance across managers, supervisors and engineers.
*Shift the culture from reactive to proactive, embedding strong PPM and maintenance discipline.
*Build strong cross-functional relationships and influence at senior levels.
*Demonstrate expertise in CapEx, ROI, asset care, maintenance strategy and long-term asset optimisation.
*Thrive in an environment that blends legacy challenges with ambitious change plans.

Experience in food manufacturing is not essential for this role - candidates from semi-automated, high-changeover manufacturing environments are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Opportunity
*Lead an engineering function ready for modernisation and cultural uplift.
*Shape best practice within a business undergoing strategic transformation.
*Join an energised senior leadership team with momentum and investment potential.
*Make a lasting, visible impact on site performance and future direction.