Engineering Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Ashford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading drinks manufacturing company in Kent is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering and maintenance function. The role involves managing a team of engineers, overseeing maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate has proven experience in FMCG engineering management and holds a relevant engineering qualification. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity for progression

Qualifications

• Experience as an Engineering or Maintenance Manager within FMCG.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent knowledge of reliability improvement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of multi-skilled engineers.
• Manage planned and reactive maintenance schedules.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of maintenance practices

Project management

Budget management

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent

Job description

Engineering Manager - Drinks Manufacturing

Location: Kent

Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 + Package

Are you an experienced Engineering Manager looking to lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced drinks manufacturing environment? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and growing business that continues to invest heavily in its people, technology, and facilities.

The Role

As Engineering Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the site's engineering and maintenance function, ensuring maximum equipment efficiency, reliability, and compliance. You'll work closely with production and operations teams to deliver world‑class performance and drive continuous improvement across all areas of the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of multi‑skilled engineers across maintenance and projects.
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance schedules to ensure minimal downtime.
• Manage capital expenditure projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive health, safety, and compliance standards throughout the department.
• Support long‑term site strategy through innovation and engineering excellence.
• Manage budgets and external contractors effectively.

About You

• Proven experience as an Engineering or Maintenance Manager within food or drinks manufacturing (FMCG).
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on approach.
• Excellent knowledge of modern maintenance practices and reliability improvement techniques.
• Confident managing budgets, projects, and people in a fast-moving environment.
• Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the engineering function within a forward‑thinking business.
• Supportive culture with real autonomy and progression potential.

If you're an ambitious Engineering Manager who thrives in a dynamic, quality‑driven manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.