Engineering Maintenance Manager

J&J Affiliates Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

J&J Affiliates Ltd. is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead and develop a proactive engineering department on-site.

The role focuses on building a strong team culture, engaging with production staff and delivering sustainable engineering solutions across the site. The successful candidate will move the department from reactive firefighting to a prevention-focused discipline, coaching engineers, solving recurrent issues and promoting continuous improvement across reliability and performance of

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and develop engineering teams at scale.
• Strong track record in delivering reliability improvements and cost reductions.
• Experience on factory floors collaborating with production teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering department to high standards.
• Spend time on the factory floor engaging with engineers and production teams.
• Drive a culture of safety, ownership, accountability and teamwork.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Engineering management

Continuous improvement

Factory floor coaching

Job description

Engineering Manager - Personal Profile

We are looking for a highly visible, positive and hands‑on Engineering Manager who will lead from the front, set high standards and build a strong, motivated and proactive Engineering Department.

This role requires more than technical ability. The successful candidate will be a credible and inspirational leader who can bring people together, develop individuals and create a culture built around positivity, ownership, accountability and teamwork.

The Engineering Manager will be expected to spend time where it matters — on the factory floor, engaging with engineers and production teams, understanding challenges first‑hand and supporting the team in delivering sustainable solutions. They will lead by example, remain calm under pressure and demonstrate the behaviours and standards they expect from others.

A key priority will be moving the department away from a reactive, firefighting mentality towards a culture focused on prevention, reliability, root cause and continuous improvement. They will encourage engineers to take ownership of their equipment, challenge repeat failures and take pride in the performance and condition of the site.

The successful candidate will build strong relationships across Engineering, Operations, Technical and Hygiene, promoting a "one team" mentality and ensuring Engineering is seen as a proactive and dependable partner to the wider operation.

They will create an environment where engineers feel supported, valued and listened to, while maintaining clear expectations around performance, behaviour and professional standards. Good performance will be recognised, individuals will be coached and developed, and poor performance or negative behaviours will be addressed fairly and consistently.

Key Leadership Behaviours

• Lead from the front and be visible and approachable.
• Bring energy, enthusiasm and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Set high standards and lead by example.
• Build trust while maintaining ownership and accountability.
• Coach, develop and motivate the engineering team.
• Recognise good performance and celebrate success.
• Remain calm, decisive and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Challenge repeat failures and drive permanent solutions.
• Promote collaboration and remove the "them and us" culture.
• Encourage pride in equipment, workplace and engineering standards.
• Develop a culture centred on safety, reliability and continuous improvement.

Success in this role will not only be measured through improved reliability, reduced downtime and engineering performance, but through the attitude, engagement, ownership and pride of the engineering team.

The goal is to create an Engineering Department that is positive, professional, proactive and respected across the business