Engineering Manager

The Oval Partnership; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead the engineering function at their London site. The role involves developing engineering strategy, managing maintenance, and ensuring a culture of safety and compliance. Candidates should have significant experience in food manufacturing engineering, strong leadership capabilities, and relevant qualifications. This position offers a dynamic environment requiring effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in engineering within Food Manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading multi-shift teams in a 7-day operation.
• Strong engineering foundation essential.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the site engineering strategy.
• Lead planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance.
• Ensure engineering enables smooth, efficient production.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Knowledge of CMMS, TPM

Education

NVQ Level 3 (Electrical or Mechanical)

17th Edition

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

Engineering Manager | FMCG Manufacturing | London

We're recruiting an Engineering Manager for a fast‑paced food manufacturing site in London. This is a senior leadership role with real influence. Ideal for someone who thrives on ownership, people leadership, and driving engineering excellence.

You’ll sit on the Site Leadership Team, shape the long‑term engineering strategy, and lead a multi‑shift engineering function that keeps the site safe, efficient, and future‑ready.

This is not a “keep the lights on” role. It’s about raising standards, modernising assets, and building a high‑performing engineering culture.

🔧 The Role - What You’ll Be Known For

Strategic Engineering Leadership

• Own and deliver the site engineering strategy, aligned to performance, sustainability, food safety, and CAPEX priorities
• Be the engineering voice at SLT — influencing decisions, shaping site goals, and driving continuous improvement through data and KPIs

Operational & Maintenance Excellence

• Lead planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance to maximise asset reliability and minimise downtime
• Control R&M budgets, manage suppliers, and lead CAPEX and asset renewal programmes

Production‑Focused Support

• Ensure engineering enables smooth, efficient production every shift
• Drive equipment availability, rapid breakdown response, and performance improvements through root‑cause analysis

People & Culture

• Lead, develop, and inspire a multi‑shift engineering team and external contractors
• Build a proactive, safety‑first culture grounded in Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement
• Identify skills gaps and create clear development and training plans

Safety, Compliance & Governance

• Champion engineering safety and compliance across PUWER, LOLER, PSSR, HACCP, and BRC
• Ensure robust contractor control, statutory inspections, and legal compliance

Cross‑Functional Impact

• Partner with Production, Technical, NPD, Hygiene, and Finance on new product launches, process improvements, and site upgrades

Infrastructure & Facilities

• Oversee maintenance of site services including building fabric, utilities, steam systems, and effluent plant

👤 What We’re Looking For

Background

• Essential: 5‑10 years’ experience in engineering (with 1‑2 years leadership) within Food Manufacturing
• Proven experience leading multi‑shift teams in a 7‑day operation

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 (Electrical or Mechanical)
• 17th Edition
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent)
• Strong engineering foundation essential

Capability

• Strong knowledge of CMMS, TPM, Lean, 5S, and maintenance best practice
• Confident managing CAPEX, R&M budgets, suppliers, and contractors
• Natural leader — decisive, credible, and comfortable influencing across functions

Style

• Calm under pressure, commercially aware, detail‑driven
• Proactive problem solver with a strategic mindset and high personal standards