Project Manager (Engineering)

Cook Trading Limited; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned food company in Sittingbourne is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead automation and process improvement projects. The successful candidate will drive high-level engineering projects to enhance efficiency and reduce manual handling, ensuring alignment with the company’s sustainability goals. Strong project management experience within the food or manufacturing sectors, along with a degree in relevant engineering fields, is essential. The role offers comprehensive benefits including paid breaks and a staff discount.

Benefits

Paid breaks

Paid leave for personal milestones

Staff profit share

Free lunch

Wellbeing program

30% staff discount

Access to CookieJar Smart Spending discounts

Team meals and events

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in project management within food or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CI methodologies.
• Ability to build trust across teams and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful projects from concept to commissioning.
• Collaborate with various teams to drive capital investment initiatives.
• Introduce technologies that support sustainability and manufacturing goals.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies across operations.
• Ensure project adherence to safety and food quality standards.

Skills

Proven project management experience

Strong background in automation

Skilled communicator

Proactive and results-driven approach

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Engineering Project Manager– COOK

Location Sittingbourne Kent

Salary - £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

Hours Mon–Fri 40 hrs - 8am to 4pm - expected flexibility around work commitments

Food production preferrable.

At COOK, we believe in remarkable people, remarkable food, and remarkable places to work. We make food by hand, with love, in our Kitchens — and we’re on a mission to make them Britain's Best Kitchens. To help us get there, we’re looking for an Engineering Project Manager to lead automation and process improvement projects that make our Kitchens safer, smarter, and more efficient — all while keeping our food quality second to none.

The Purpose

You’ll be driving high level engineering projects that reduce manual handling, boost efficiency, and bring COOK’s manufacturing into the cutting edge of automation and innovation. You’ll play a key role in shaping our future — ensuring every new piece of kit or process adds value, reduces waste, and strengthens how we work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver impactful projects – from preparing the Capital expenditure proposals, project concept to commissioning, you’ll lead automation and process improvements that really make a difference on the shop floor.
• Collaborate and influence – work closely with the Head of Engineering, Engineering Managers, Manufacturing Leadership Team and others to bring our Capital Investment Plan to life.
• Stay ahead of the curve – introduce existing & emerging technologies that support our sustainability and manufacturing goals.
• Champion continuous improvement – application of CI methodologies, share best practice, and encourage innovation across our Kitchens.
• Drive sustainability – embed energy efficiency and environmental consideration into every project, helping us on our journey to Net Zero.
• Lead safely and brilliantly – working with suppliers and contractors, ensure all projects meet our safety, food quality and legal standards, setting the bar for excellence.
• Bring people with you – build great relationships, share knowledge, and celebrate success when we achieve remarkable results together.

What Success Looks Like

• Projects delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard.
• Measurable reductions in improvements in efficiency & manual handling
• Real contribution to our sustainability and "Britain’s Best Kitchens" goals.
• You’re living our Values — being remarkable, caring deeply, having fun, and being part of the family.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proven project management experience & CI methodologies, ideally within food, FMCG, or manufacturing.
• Strong background in automation, process equipment, and control systems.
• Skilled communicator and collaborator — able to build trust across teams.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and results‑driven approach to getting things done.
• A natural curiosity for technology and a passion for improving how things work.

Excellent Benefits including

• Paid breaks
• Paid leave on your birthdays, moving house, become grandparent or your child starts school for the first time
• Staff profit share
• Fee Lunch
• Wellbeing program
• 30% staff discount
• Access to CookieJar Smart Spending discounts and free food perks.
• Team meals , events & away days
• Be part of a B‑Corp‑certified business that values sustainability, people, and the community.

And many more ‿.

What Cook is About

We’re a proudly independent, family‑owned B Corp, which basically means we care. A lot. About our food. About our people. And about doing the right thing—even when it’s not the easy thing.

Our vision for COOK has always been that we are a place where EVERYONE is welcome. We want everyone to feel like they belong at COOK. We all have different roles, different abilities and different personalities. By collaborating we can do remarkable things. Whatever your story, if you would like to grow with COOK please apply.