Lead Engineer

ISQ Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business in Essex seeks a hands-on Lead Engineer to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will lead a small engineering team, ensuring reliable performance of production equipment while driving process improvements. This exciting role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a modern food production method that pairs tradition with innovation.

Benefits

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

Impressive staff discounts

Qualifications

• Electrical engineering bias is essential.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a senior role is desirable.
• Food manufacturing background is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a small team of Engineers.
• Lead preventive and reactive maintenance activities.
• Ensure engineering practices meet compliance and safety standards.

Skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Relevant Engineering degree

Job description

Lead Engineer
Sector: Food Manufacturing
Location: Essex
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive - to be discussed
Shifts: Monday to Friday - Days

ISQ Recruitment are supporting a well-established food business in Essex with their search for an experienced and hands-on Lead Engineer. This business is known for producing high-quality, sustainable snacking products and supplying leading retailers and foodservice customers across the UK and internationally.

As a key member of a small engineering team, you will take the lead in ensuring reliable equipment performance (electrical & mechanical), supporting process improvements, supporting the other Engineers, and contributing to continuous improvement.

The successful candidate must have a full UK driving license, access to their own vehicle, and full Right to Work in the UK (sponsorship not provided).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary - to be discussed & experience dependent
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Impressive staff discounts!

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a small team of Engineers, ensuring safe and efficient work practices.
• Equipment Maintenance: Lead preventive and reactive maintenance activities on production and packaging equipment to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshooting: Provide support for electrical, mechanical, and automation systems.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure engineering practices meet food safety, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Process Optimisation: Analyse production processes and identify opportunities for efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities.

About You:

• Relevant Engineering degree (essential)
• Electrical engineering bias (essential)
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a senior role (desirable)
• Food manufacturing background (desirable)
• Excellent communication & cross-functional collaboration skills
• Hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable in a dynamic, small-team environment
• Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle

This is a rare opportunity to join a business that combines traditional farming values with a modern, innovative approach to food production. To discuss further, please click to apply now.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must have full Right to Work in the UK.

INDMA