Engineering Manager – Food Manufacturing & Site Leader (Gateshead)

Valeo Foods; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK is recruiting an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering function at the Gateshead site. You will shape the engineering strategy, drive reliability, safety, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

You will develop maintenance programmes, manage CapEx/OpEx budgets, and lead a high-performing team to deliver strategic projects and improved asset performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven senior engineering leadership in food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of electrical & mechanical engineering disciplines
• Experience leading site services (effluent, allergens, hazards)
• Experience in maintenance strategies and project planning
• Track record of leading teams, driving performance and managing change
• Experience in fast-paced evolving manufacturing environments
• Capital project management experience and familiarity with project management software

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust engineering and maintenance strategy aligned to site and business objectives.
• Lead preventative and predictive maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Ensure engineering resources are utilised effectively to support operational performance and customer requirements.
• Review and optimise asset management plans to improve equipment performance and longevity.
• Champion a strong safety culture with compliance to health, safety, environmental, and food safety standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, safe systems of work, and contractor management processes.
• Ensure engineering activities meet regulatory and internal compliance requirements.
• Investigate and resolve equipment-related quality issues; support continuous improvement in product quality.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance across the site.
• Lead engineering improvement initiatives and capital investment projects from concept to delivery.
• Manage CapEx and OpEx budgets; deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the engineering team.
• Monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights for strategic decisions.
• Lead, coach and develop a skilled engineering team with clear objectives and regular reviews.

Skills

Senior engineering leadership

Food manufacturing

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Site services management

Maintenance strategy

Project planning

Team leadership

Change management

Data-driven decision making

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Valeo Foods UK is recruiting an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering function at the Gateshead site. You will shape the engineering strategy, drive reliability, safety, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

You will develop maintenance programmes, manage CapEx/OpEx budgets, and lead a high-performing team to deliver strategic projects and improved asset performance in a fast-paced environment.