Chief Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist food business in the UK is seeking an Engineering Leader to oversee operations, develop strategies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role involves extensive collaboration with the C-Suite and a focus on reliability and production efficiency. Candidates should have expertise in BRCGS audits, plant automation, and strong leadership skills. This position offers significant professional growth potential and exposure to high-profile innovations.

Benefits

Huge professional growth potential

Dream leadership team

High-profile innovation category

Qualifications

• Extensive engineering leadership skills.
• Experience in project management and budget control.
• Ability to influence and coach teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering activities at the production site.
• Collaborate with CEO and suppliers.
• Challenge existing processes for continuous improvement.

Skills

BRCGS and retailer audit expertise

Plant automation and robotics

C-Suite strategic planning

Advanced-level Industrial Engineering

Project Management

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

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 company'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. As the successful candidate, you’ll challenge existing processes and bring an "outside-in" perspective to your continuous improvement initiatives.

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

With responsibilities in team management and development, influencing people, coaching, and upward communication will be central to your role.

In an open-door, proactive "scale-up" culture, your ability to be both a top-level strategist and operational doer/mentor is essential. We are looking for someone who enjoys 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 audit expertise

Plant automation and robotics obsession

Significant C-Suite strategic planning and influence

Advanced-level Industrial Engineering and Project Management qualifications