Engineering Manager

Pioneer Selection Ltd; Smethwick; On-site; GBP 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Site Engineering Manager to join their client's team in Cumbria. This role involves leading a high-performing engineering team, managing operations for maximum efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a solid background in engineering leadership within a manufacturing context and possess strong people management skills. The position offers a competitive salary and relocation package.

Benefits

£12,000 relocation package

Pension and bonuses

Healthcare benefits

Training and career development

Qualifications

• Proven engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing or FMCG environment, preferably in food or dairy.
• Excellent people management and communication skills, capable of inspiring teams.
• Results-driven and safety-focused with a commitment to high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving engagement and continuous improvement.
• Manage engineering operations to ensure maximum uptime and safety.
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) while ensuring compliance with site standards.

Skills

Engineering leadership

People management

Process optimization

PPM systems understanding

Education

HNC or higher in Engineering discipline

Job description

Overview

SITE ENGINEERING MANAGER – Location: Cumbria (Relocation Package Available). Salary: £69,000 + £12,000 Relocation Package.

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST MILK

Pioneer Selection are proud to be working exclusively with First Milk in the search for an experienced Site Engineering Manager to join their growing team in Cumbria.

About First Milk: First Milk is a thriving dairy co-operative, owned by the family farms that supply them. They produce award-winning cheddar, regional cheese, and dairy ingredients, and market fresh milk to leading UK food manufacturers. With ambitious investment plans, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to sustainable, regenerative farming, First Milk is proud to be using dairy as a force for good—nourishing future generations while leaving the world in a better place.

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and technically strong leader to drive engineering excellence at one of First Milk's key manufacturing sites. The Site Engineering Manager will lead and inspire a multi-skilled team, ensuring optimum performance, efficiency, and reliability across all operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving engagement and continuous improvement.
• Manage engineering operations, ensuring maximum uptime, safety, and delivery of critical projects.
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and ensure compliance with site standards.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX, and utilities, optimising processes and driving cost efficiency.
• Foster innovation and operational excellence within food production.

About You

• Hold a minimum of an HNC (or higher) in an Engineering discipline.
• Proven engineering leadership experience within a manufacturing or FMCG environment (food or dairy preferred).
• Strong understanding of PPM systems and utilities management.
• Excellent people management and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Results-driven, safety-focused, and committed to delivering high standards across all operations.

Benefits

• £69,000 annual salary
• £12,000 relocation package for candidates relocating to Cumbria
• Competitive benefits package, including pension, bonuses, and healthcare
• Access to the latest technology and equipment
• Supportive, forward-thinking business that values training and career development
• Regular working hours promoting work-life balance

If you're an experienced Engineering Manager ready to take on a new challenge and lead a passionate team within a progressive food manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

For further details, contact Lewis Wall at Pioneer Selection.

As a registered candidate with Pioneer Selection Ltd, you'll automatically be eligible for our Referral Scheme — earn £250 for every successful permanent placement you recommend (T&Cs apply)