Head of Engineering

Paul Bennett Recruitment Ltd; Wales; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG business in South Wales seeks a Head of Engineering to lead multi-site engineering activities. The role requires strategic direction, compliance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to support operational excellence. Candidates must have experience in food manufacturing leadership and strong technical skills. This position offers a significant opportunity to drive performance across dynamic manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior engineering leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills.
• Significant technical experience in electrical, mechanical, and automation engineering.
• Experience in budget management and implementing change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all engineering activities across multi-site operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for engineering processes.
• Oversee maintenance and optimization of manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Job description

My client is a market-leading FMCG business based in South Wales. The business has enjoyed significant growth in recent years which has been facilitated by increased customer demand, continued diversification of our product range and ongoing investment from its parent company. Two primary sites are currently in operation; a Head Office and factory in Swansea, and a recently established, highly automated plant in Cardiff. With over 500 employees across two sites, they are committed to recruiting talented and driven professionals to join the business on its impressive growth journey.

The Head of Engineering will be responsible for leading and managing all engineering activities across a multi-site food manufacturing business. This role will involve providing strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of engineering teams to support production operations.

Job specification

• Strict adherence to Environmental, Health and Safety policies and safe operating procedures, whilst promoting a health and safety culture to safeguard all employees.
• Strict adherence to Technical and Quality policies, proactively contributing to the business food safety and quality culture, whilst continually maintaining high product quality and GMP
• To provide Strategic Leadership in the development and implementation of the overall engineering strategy aligned with the company's objectives and operational requirements.
• Ensure total compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, codes, and guidelines related to engineering and manufacturing operations (including LOLER, PUWER, DSEAR, Electrical Regulations, PSSR, L8, Effluent consent).
• Champion a strong safety culture and promote adherence to health and safety protocols and procedures across all engineering activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering processes, systems, and capabilities across all sites.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering managers and professionals across multiple sites by setting clear objectives, provide direction, and monitor performance to ensure alignment with company goals, whilst delivering against agreed KPI’s.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and optimisation of manufacturing equipment and facilities to maximise uptime and efficiency.
• Implement preventive Asset Care maintenance programs and asset management strategies to minimise downtime and reduce costs.
• Lead the team to safety deliver self-managed engineering projects from conception to completion, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the implementation of new technologies, equipment upgrades, and facility expansions.

Candidate profile

• Proven experience in a senior engineering leadership role within the food manufacturing industry, managing multi-site operations.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve excellence.
• Significant technical experience, specifically electrical, mechanical and automation engineering.
• Significant experience in creating and managing a budget.
• Demonstrable experience in implementing and sustaining change.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering successful continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build strong relationships at all levels of the business.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools, with a track record of successfully delivering complex engineering projects on time and within budget.