Chief Engineer

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

Job summary

A specialist food business based in Milton Keynes is seeking a skilled engineering leader to drive operational and strategic initiatives. This role involves managing engineering activities at a state-of-the-art production site and collaborating closely with the CEO. Candidates should have expertise in audits, plant automation, and strong C-Suite strategic planning abilities. Join a dynamic culture with significant professional growth potential.

Benefits

Huge professional growth potential

Dream leadership team

High-profile innovation category

Qualifications

• Expertise in BRCGS and retailer audits is crucial.
• A passion for plant automation and robotics is essential.
• Experience in C-Suite strategic planning and influence is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering activities at the production site.
• Challenge existing processes for continuous improvement.
• Manage team development and maintain effective communication.

Skills

BRCGS and retailer audits expertise

Passion for plant automation and robotics

Significant C-Suite strategic planning and influence

Advanced level industrial engineering and 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 at the business’s state-of-the-art production site in Northern Ireland.

You will work cross-functionally with high visibility, often collaborating directly with the CEO, as well as externally with suppliers. You’ll challenge existing processes while bringing an outside-in perspective as part of your continuous improvement efforts.

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

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

In an open-door, proactive "scale-up" culture, your ability to be both a strategic innovator and operational doer/mentor is essential. We are looking for someone who relishes shaping their remit and growing the 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 expertise
• Passion for plant automation and robotics
• Significant C-Suite strategic planning and influence
• Advanced level industrial engineering and project management qualifications