Engineering Manager

Avara Foods Ltd.; Hatton; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Avara Foods is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the Engineering function at the Hollybank site, Scropton, Derbyshire. You will drive reliability, capital projects and continuous improvement while managing a high-performing team on-site.

You’ll provide technical leadership across maintenance, reliability and asset performance, developing the team and influencing stakeholders to deliver site objectives and safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Proven engineering leadership experience in manufacturing/industrial environments.
• Strong technical background with maintenance and reliability expertise.
• Experience delivering capital projects and cost management.
• Excellent stakeholder influence across functions and levels.
• Strong communication and people development skills.
• Proactive, resilient, and data-driven with continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering function with clear direction, coaching and development.
• Be a key member of Site Leadership Team; shape site strategy and performance.
• Develop and deliver engineering strategy aligned to KPIs and growth.
• Drive proactive maintenance through planned, predictive and preventive programs.
• Ensure high equipment reliability and asset availability across site.
• Manage budget for repairs, maintenance, contractors and capex.
• Own CMMS systems and engineering processes to improve reliability.
• Ensure safety standards for colleagues and contractors.
• Lead continuous improvement, root cause analysis and projects.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and contractors.
• Oversee on-site contractors and compliance with standards and law.
• Support succession planning and development of engineering talent.
• Lead with Avara values: accountability, collaboration and improvement.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Maintenance planning

Data-driven decision making

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Contractors & suppliers

People leadership

Education

HND/HNC or equivalent in Engineering

Degree qualified in Engineering

Job description

Lead Engineering Excellence with Avara Foods

Are you an experienced Engineering leader with a passion for building high-performing teams, driving reliability and leading continuous improvement?

We are looking for a highly capable and motivated Engineering Manager to lead the Engineering function at our Hollybank site, based in Scropton, Derbyshire.

Operating Environment

This role requires you to be on site 5 days a week, supporting our Operational facility and the Engineering team. Whilst this role is predominately office based, there is a requirement for you to spend regular daily and weekly time in our ambient factory environment.

Purpose of the Role

As Engineering Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the Engineering team to ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of all site assets and infrastructure. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you'll provide technical leadership across maintenance, reliability, continuous improvement and capital projects, supporting the delivery of site performance objectives across safety, quality, service, cost and people.

We're looking for a leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent people leadership. Someone who can inspire and develop their team, influence across functions and use data and insight to deliver operational excellence and long-term asset performance.

Your Key Responsibilities As Engineering Manager Will Include

• Leading the Engineering function, providing clear direction, coaching and development for the Engineering team.
• Acting as a key member of the Hollybank Site Leadership Team, contributing to site strategy and business performance.
• Developing and delivering the Engineering strategy to support site KPIs, business objectives and future growth.
• Driving a proactive maintenance culture through effective planned, predictive and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Ensuring high levels of equipment reliability and asset availability across the site.
• Managing the Engineering budget, including repairs and maintenance, contractor expenditure and capital investment plans.
• Owning and developing engineering systems and CMMS processes to support performance, compliance and reliability improvement.
• Ensuring engineering activities are carried out safely, maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for colleagues and contractors.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis and engineering projects to improve operational performance.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external contractors.
• Managing contractors on site and ensuring all work is completed in line with company standards and legislative requirements.
• Supporting succession planning, capability development and the creation of a high-performing engineering culture.
• Leading in line with Avara's values, creating an environment of accountability, collaboration, engagement and continuous improvement.

What We Are Looking For In An Engineering Manager

Essential Skills / Experience

• Strong engineering leadership experience, with a proven ability to lead, develop and motivate engineering teams.
• HND, HNC or equivalent qualification in Engineering, with a strong technical background.
• Significant experience leading Engineering functions within manufacturing, industrial, FMCG or similarly fast-paced operational environments.
• Experience managing planned maintenance, reliability improvement and asset management strategies.
• Proven experience delivering engineering improvement and capital projects.
• Strong budget management experience, with accountability for maintenance spend and investment planning.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and levels.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, using data and insight to drive performance improvements.
• Experience managing contractors and external suppliers effectively.
• Excellent communication and people leadership skills, with a track record of coaching and developing teams.
• A proactive, resilient and adaptable approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Degree qualified in Engineering.
• CEng or IEng professional registration.
• Food manufacturing, poultry or FMCG experience.
• Experience leading organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification.

Why Join Hollybank?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team at Hollybank and play a pivotal role in shaping site performance. You'll have the opportunity to influence site strategy, lead a critical function and develop engineering capability while supporting the delivery of Avara's ambitious business goals.

At Avara Foods, we're committed to creating a culture where colleagues can grow, develop and make a real impact. We believe our people are our greatest strength and we're looking for leaders who share that belief.

Closing Date for internal applications: Thursday 13th August 2026