Engineering Team Leader, Engineering Team Leader

Pilgrim's Europe; Compton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee benefits & discount platform

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Pilgrims Europe in Ashbourne is seeking a hands-on Engineering Team Leader to run and develop a shift team of engineers in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You will lead improvements, optimise maintenance, reduce breakdowns and ensure safety, quality and GMP standards across the site, while balancing technical delivery with people development. This leadership role offers scope to shape engineering performance and drive continuous improvement on every shift.

Qualifications

• Time-served apprentice with Level 3 qualification.
• Multi-skilled engineer (electrical & mechanical).
• Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of PLC-controlled environments.
• Understanding of GMP, Food Safety, H&S and environmental standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise and perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop shift Engineers, including Apprentices.
• Drive breakdown reduction and effective PPM delivery.
• Champion Marel PMS service kits for scheduled works.
• Ensure compliance with engineering, safety and environmental legislation.
• Oversee shift maintenance, installations and contractor management.
• Work cross-functionally with Production, Food Safety & Quality, Hygiene, H&S and HR.
• Manage engineering stores and working capital.
• Coordinate holiday planning and overtime with fellow Team Leaders.
• Identify energy-saving opportunities and support environmental targets.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and maintained.
• Maintain high GMP, hygiene and food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-skilled (Electrical & Mechanical

Food manufacturing experience

PLC-controlled environments

GMP & Food Safety

Education

Level 3 apprenticeship

Tools

Marel PMS

Job description

Location - Ashbourne

Shift Pattern - 4 days on 4 off 4 nights on 4 off

At Pilgrims Europe, we deliver business success through our people - and our Engineering teams are at the heart of that success.

We’re looking for a hands‑on Engineering Team Leader to lead and develop a shift team of Engineers at our Ashbourne site. This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven, multi‑skilled engineer ready to step into (or further develop within) a leadership role in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment.

The Role

As Engineering Team Leader, you will lead your shift team to optimise engineering performance, reduce breakdowns, drive preventative maintenance and support continuous improvement across site.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring production runs efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.

• Lead, supervise and develop shift Engineers, including Apprentices
• Drive breakdown reduction and effective PPM delivery
• Champion Marel PMS service kits for scheduled works
• Ensure compliance with engineering, safety and environmental legislation
• Oversee shift maintenance, installations and contractor management
• Work cross‑functionally with Production, Food Safety & Quality, Hygiene, H&S and HR
• Manage engineering stores and working capital
• Coordinate holiday planning and overtime with fellow Team Leaders
• Identify energy‑saving opportunities and support environmental targets
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and maintained
• Maintain high GMP, hygiene and food safety standards

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll balance technical expertise with team development and operational delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• Time-served Apprentice with Level 3 qualification
• Multi-skilled engineer (electrical and mechanical)
• Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environment
• Knowledge of PLC‑controlled environments
• Understanding of GMP, Food Safety, H&S and environmental standards
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to prioritise and perform under pressure
• You’ll be proactive, organised, pragmatic and able to motivate your team to deliver high standards every shift.

Our Values

• Determination - We deliver results and never give up
• Ownership - We take responsibility and lead by example
• Discipline - We honour commitments and execute with precision
• Simplicity - We focus on practical, hands‑on solutions
• Humility & Sincerity - We listen, respect and communicate openly
• Availability - We are ready to step up and take on new challenges

We’re looking for a leader who lives these values every day on the factory floor.

Why Join Pilgrims Europe?

• Competitive salary
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee benefits & discount platform
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Clear career progression pathways
• Opportunity to lead and shape engineering performance at site level
• Work within a supportive, values‑led culture
• Be part of a leading European food manufacturing business

Ready to Lead from the Front?

If you’re a motivated, multi‑skilled Engineer ready to take ownership of shift performance and develop a high‑performing team, we want to hear from you.