Project Engineer, Cheese Business Unit

First Milk Limited; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

First Milk Limited is seeking a Project Engineer for their Cheese Business Unit based at Lake District Creamery. The role entails leading and managing engineering projects, developing project plans, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should be qualified engineers with food or dairy experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency in project management tools. The position includes some travel to other sites. Commitment to the company's values is essential.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and project tools.
• Experience using CAD and Microsoft Project.
• Project management experience (development available for internal candidates).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering and capital projects.
• Develop robust project plans including scope, timelines, budgets and resources.
• Coordinate internal teams and external contractors.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Project management experience

CAD proficiency

Microsoft Office 365 proficiency

Education

Qualified Engineer with food/dairy experience

IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Project Engineer, Cheese Business Unit
Lake District Creamery

4 May 2026

About First Milk

First Milk is a British farmer-owned dairy cooperative, committed to creating a positive future for our people, our planet and our members. The role reporting to the Engineering Project Manager will lead and support capital investment and process improvement projects from initiation through to completion. The role is based at our Lake District Creamery, with some travel required to support projects at other First Milk sites.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering and capital projects
• Develop robust project plans including scope, timelines, budgets and resources
• Coordinate internal teams and external contractors
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations
• Engage with key internal and external stakeholders
• Make decisions aligned to People, Planet and Profit principles

What we’re looking for – essential

• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and project tools
• Qualified Engineer with food/dairy experience
• Project management experience (development available for internal candidates)
• Experience using CAD and Microsoft Project
• Ability to influence across all levels

Our values

We’re looking for someone who is approachable, inspiring, open, enabling and positively challenging, and who shares our commitment to doing the right thing for people, planet and profit.