Engineering Manager in Preston

Engineering Manager – FMCG Manufacturing Lancashire | up to C£65-75,000 | Car Allowance | Bonus & Benefits This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Engineering Manager to join a major UK consumer products manufacturer at an important stage in its development. The business has undergone significant transformation over recent years, supported by substantial investment in its UK manufacturing footprint, operational capabilities and leadership structure. Considerable progress has already been made, but there remains plenty to improve, develop and influence making this a particularly interesting opportunity for someone who enjoys creating positive change. Reporting into the senior operational leadership team, the Engineering Manager will take responsibility for the engineering function at one of the company’s key manufacturing sites. You will lead a multi-skilled engineering team, improve equipment reliability and maintenance standards, support continued site development and play an active role in the wider operational agenda. This is a broad and varied leadership role requiring more than traditional maintenance management. The successful candidate will be visible, proactive and comfortable working across both immediate operational priorities and longer-term improvement projects. The opportunity You will join a fast-paced, high-volume FMCG manufacturing environment in which engineering plays a fundamental role in safety, quality, service and operational performance. Working closely with the Head of Operations and wider site leadership team, you will help embed stronger engineering disciplines, increase equipment effectiveness and build a capable, engaged and accountable engineering team. There will be genuine scope to make an impact across areas including preventative maintenance, reliability, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, team development and engineering projects. The environment continues to evolve, so the role will suit someone agile and solutions-focused who can respond positively to changing priorities. You must have a genuine can-do attitude, an appetite for proactive improvement and the confidence to take ownership rather than wait for direction. Key responsibilities * Lead, coach and develop a multi-skilled site engineering team, creating clear standards, expectations and accountability. * Build capability within the engineering function through effective training, succession planning and performance management. * Develop and deliver an effective site engineering and maintenance strategy aligned with operational priorities. * Improve the planning, quality and completion of planned preventative maintenance activities. * Ensure engineering resources are deployed effectively across planned maintenance, breakdown response and improvement projects. * Drive improvements in plant reliability, equipment availability, efficiency and overall manufacturing performance. * Establish a more proactive, preventative and data-led engineering culture. * Lead structured root-cause analysis following significant breakdowns and recurring equipment issues. * Ensure corrective actions are implemented properly and deliver sustainable improvements. * Work closely with operations, production, quality, health and safety and other site functions to resolve issues and improve performance. * Support continuous improvement activity across manufacturing processes, engineering systems and working practices. * Lead and contribute to engineering projects, equipment upgrades, installation activity and wider site development. * Help identify and prioritise future capital investment requirements. * Manage engineering budgets, contractors, suppliers and spare-parts requirements effectively. * Maintain high standards of engineering compliance, documentation and site safety. * Provide visible and credible leadership across the site, supporting the Head of Operations and contributing to the wider operational plan. * Promote the company’s values and help build a positive, collaborative and high-performance culture. The person We are looking for a credible and capable engineering leader with experience gained within a high-quality consumer, FMCG or similarly fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will combine sound technical knowledge with strong people leadership skills and a practical understanding of how engineering supports wider business performance. The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate: * Previous experience as an Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager, Engineering Lead or senior engineering professional ready to take on broader responsibility. * A strong multi-skilled engineering background, ideally encompassing both mechanical and electrical disciplines. * Experience within high-volume food, beverage, household, personal care, packaging or another consumer manufacturing environment.. * Strong knowledge of planned preventative maintenance, breakdown management and engineering reliability. * Experience of continuous improvement, root-cause analysis and the delivery of sustainable corrective actions. * The ability to balance immediate operational demands with longer-term engineering priorities. * Confidence working as part of a site leadership team and influencing across different functions. * A visible, hands-on and engaging leadership style. * Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust from the shop floor through to senior management. * A proactive and energetic approach, with the confidence to identify issues, recommend solutions and drive implementation. * The resilience and agility to operate effectively within a business that continues to transform and develop. * A positive, values-led approach with the ability to bring structure, consistency and confidence to the engineering function. * Relevant engineering qualifications or equivalent practical experience. This role will particularly appeal to someone who wants greater breadth, influence and leadership responsibility. It provides the opportunity to support a major manufacturing site, develop a team and play a meaningful part in the next stage of an impressive UK manufacturing journey. To arrange a confidential discussion, please apply or contact Andrew Osbaldeston at Always Candid