Lead Engineer

Sofina Foods Europe; Banff; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Security & stability

Career development

Culture that cares

Competitive pay

Modern facilities

Job summary

Sofina Foods is seeking a skilled Lead Engineer to own and drive the engineering function at Brydock Mill, ensuring maintenance, safety and continuous improvement across all equipment. You will lead the PPM program, manage the budget, and partner with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, compliant operations.

The role requires a degree or HNC in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, NEBOSH certification, and strong leadership in an FMCG setting.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education with an HNC or equivalent in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• NEBOSH Certificate and electrical qualifications are required.
• Experience leading engineering in FMCG, with audit readiness.
• Exposure to grain handling and processing equipment (pellet press, grain grinding).
• Strong communication and leadership across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient engineering activities across the site.
• Oversee CMMS and ensure PPM meets standards.
• Use MI to prioritise and deliver engineering goals.
• Manage maintenance budget and ensure value for money.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, contractors and internal departments.
• Drive safety, quality and audit compliance including UFAS.

Skills

Engineering leadership

FMCG experience

Grain handling

Pellet press

Grain grinding

Communication

Education

Engineering degree or HNC

16th/17th Edition electrical qualification

NEBOSH Certificate

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

Summary

Be the Driving Force Behind a Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Feed Mill

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Lead Engineer to take full responsibility for all aspects of plant and equipment at our Brydock Feed Mill, ensuring everything is maintained to the highest standards and operates safely and efficiently. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Mill’s engineering function, driving performance, reliability, and continuous improvement across all areas. You will own, maintain, and further develop the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) process, ensuring the mill operates at optimal efficiency while meeting all safety, environmental, and compliance requirements. With a strong focus on operational excellence, you will also play a pivotal role in managing environmental performance and sustainability at Brydock Mill, leveraging your engineering expertise to deliver the Five Dimensions of Sofina Plant Success – safety, quality, service, cost, and people

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, efficient, and values-led management of all site engineering activities.
• Oversee the site’s Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and ensure Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) meets site and group standards.
• Use management information to identify priorities and deliver on engineering and operational goals.
• Manage the maintenance budget effectively, ensuring financial accountability and value for money.
• Collaborate with Sofina engineering teams, contractors, and internal departments to achieve mill engineering objectives.
• Drive compliance with all safety, quality, and audit standards, including UFAS requirements.
• Foster a positive HSE culture, promoting accountability, engagement, and personal development across the team.
• Partner with HR to lead training, onboarding, and performance development, building a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Provide expert engineering advice to the leadership team, supporting continuous improvement and best practice.
• Champion site safety, ensuring equipment and systems operate efficiently and in full compliance with regulations.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree-level education with an HNC or equivalent in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• NEBOSH Certificate
• 16th/17th Edition electrical qualification (or equivalent).
• Compliance
• Experience in engineering leadership within an FMCG environment, ideally with exposure to M&S audit standards and maintaining audit readiness.
• Experience with grain handling and processing equipment including pellet press and grain grinding.
• Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with confidence working across professional teams.
• Proven ability to deliver results, manage multiple priorities, and lead projects across multi-site operations.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, integrity, and a commitment to role-modelling positive leadership behaviours.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with a structured and results-driven approach to work.

Why Sofina Foods?

At Sofina, you’re not just a number - you’re part of a global team that values craftsmanship, growth, and innovation.

Here’s What Sets Us Apart

• Security & Stability: Join a well-established business with over 13,000 employees across Canada and Europe
• Long-Term Growth: We promote from within and offer structured training pathways for career development
• Culture That Cares: From health and safety to personal development, we prioritise people first
• Competitive Pay & Support: Enjoy a strong salary package, contributory pension, and life assurance
• Modern Workplace: Onsite parking, digital benefits hub, and clean, high-standard production facilities

We don’t just offer benefits—we offer a working environment where your skills are respected and your future is supported.

Company Information

Sofina Foods isn't just a food company - It’s a place to build your future.

With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we're passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world.

Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents.

Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Schedule

Day Shift

Location

Banff, Aberdeenshire

Hours of Work

Full-time

Company

Sofina Foods

Country Code

GB