Chief Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist food business in the UK is seeking a new engineering leader to drive operational and strategic initiatives. This role involves direct collaboration with the CEO and oversight of all engineering activities at the production site. The ideal candidate has expertise in BRCGS audits, a passion for automation, and strong project management skills, alongside an ability to coach and develop their team in a dynamic, growing environment.

Benefits

Huge professional growth potential

Access to a dream leadership team

Engagement in a high-profile innovation category

Qualifications

• Expertise in BRCGS and retailer audits is essential.
• Passion for plant automation and robotics is required.
• Significant experience in C-Suite strategic planning needed.
• Must possess advanced level qualifications in Industrial Engineering and Project Management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering activities at the production site.
• Collaborate with CEO and suppliers for improvements.
• Manage project budgets and ensure legal compliance.
• Develop and coach team members for efficiency.

Skills

BRCGS and retailer audits expertise

Plant automation and robotics

C-Suite strategic planning

Advanced Industrial Engineering

Project Management qualifications

Job description

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Reporting directly to the C-Suite, this is a unique opportunity to own, develop, and improve the operational and strategic engineering agenda for a rapidly growing specialist food business.

The company has an expanding international presence with a strong focus on innovation and range growth, making safety, reliability, and automation key priorities. This newly created role will oversee all engineering activities and is based at the company's state-of-the-art production site in Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with high visibility, often collaborating directly with the CEO, as well as externally with suppliers. You will challenge existing practices while bringing an outside-in perspective to your continuous improvement initiatives.

Your extensive engineering leadership skills will be tested from day one, covering project management, budget control, legal compliance, and audit readiness. You will be the go-to person for reliability and production efficiency.

With responsibilities for team management and development, influencing and coaching people, along with effective upward communication, will be central to your role.

In an open-door, proactive "scale-up" culture, your ability to operate as both a top-level strategist and operational doer/mentor is essential. We are looking for someone who relishes shaping their remit and growing a function. If this sounds like you, get in touch for a confidential chat.

[NDA applies]

Huge professional growth potential

Dream leadership team

High-profile innovation category

Requirements

• BRCGS and retailer audits expert
• Plant automation and robotics enthusiast
• Significant C-Suite strategic planning and influence
• Advanced level Industrial Engineering and Project Management qualifications