Group Head of Engineering - Chilled

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing client is looking for a dynamic Group Head of Engineering. This multi-site role involves strategic leadership and operational excellence, aiming to enhance engineering performance across various locations while contributing to sustainability initiatives. If you're an experienced leader ready for a challenge during a growth phase, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior engineering leadership roles, preferably in chilled food manufacturing.
• Strong project management skills for large-scale capital investments.
• In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engineering strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead a high-performing engineering team; ensure world-class engineering standards.
• Oversee capital projects to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Operational Efficiency

Compliance

Sustainability

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Job Opportunity: Group Head of Engineering

Location: Multi-Site Role (Birmingham/Derby/Nottingham/Leicester/Leeds location would be ideal)

Salary: £110-120k + great benefits

Our client, a leading name in the food manufacturing sector, is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Group Head of Engineering to lead their engineering function across multiple UK sites. Specialising in the production of high-quality food products, this is an exciting opportunity to join a business committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The Role

As the Group Head of Engineering, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Board. You’ll take ownership of the strategic development and operational performance of the engineering function across all sites, ensuring they meet current and future business needs. This role is pivotal in driving engineering excellence, optimising operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement an engineering strategy aligned with business objectives, focusing on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Team Development: Lead, inspire, and grow a high-performing engineering team, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration, and development.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure the delivery of world-class engineering standards, including robust preventative maintenance systems, reduced downtime, and optimised production outputs.
• Compliance & Safety: Drive adherence to health, safety, and compliance standards across all operations, ensuring sites meet regulatory and internal requirements.
• Capital Projects: Oversee the delivery of capital investment projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.
• Sustainability: Champion initiatives that enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact, ensuring the business remains ahead of industry standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior engineering leadership role, ideally within the chilled food manufacturing sector or a similarly fast-paced environment.
• A track record of delivering measurable improvements in engineering performance and operational efficiency across multi-site operations.
• Strong project management skills, particularly in relation to large-scale capital investments.
• In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing standards, including compliance, safety, and sustainability best practices.
• An influential and approachable leader with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Degree-qualified in engineering (or equivalent), with a passion for continuous learning and professional development.

Why Join?

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a market-leading organisation during an exciting phase of growth. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the company, leading transformational initiatives and ensuring the engineering function is at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

If you are ready to make a significant impact and thrive in a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding environment, we want to hear from you.