Engineering Manager in Sittingbourne

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Engineering Manager to join a growing and highly successful UK manufacturing business. Our client is a recognised leader within its sector, operating multiple sites across the UK and supplying bespoke products to a diverse range of markets including construction, rail, civil infrastructure, and the public sector. The site operates specialist, industry-leading equipment, much of which is unique within the UK, offering engineers the opportunity to work with highly specialised machinery and processes. This is a business that genuinely invests in its people, offering excellent benefits, ongoing training and development, and clear opportunities for future career progression.

As Engineering Manager, you will take full responsibility for leading the engineering function, driving maintenance excellence, and developing a high-performing team to support the site's operational and strategic objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of Engineers, Team Leaders and Senior Engineers (9+ direct reports).
• Driving a proactive maintenance culture, moving the site away from reactive maintenance practices.
• Planning, coordinating and overseeing all maintenance activities across the facility.
• Managing planned shutdowns and ensuring all engineering works are completed safely, efficiently and on time.
• Developing and improving the CMMS system to enhance maintenance planning, reporting and asset management.
• Monitoring and reporting departmental KPIs including OEE, PPM completion, downtime and breakdown performance.
• Conducting Root Cause Analysis and implementing corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Identifying and delivering Continuous Improvement initiatives across the engineering function.
• Managing installation, upgrade and capital project activities.
• Ensuring contractor management processes and permit-to-work systems are adhered to at all times.
• Leading performance reviews, appraisals, one-to-ones, recruitment and succession planning.
• Driving training and development programmes for the engineering team.
• Promoting and maintaining a strong Health & Safety culture across the department.
• Producing reports and presenting performance updates to senior leadership teams.

A major focus across the business is operational efficiency and continuous improvement. As such, candidates with experience implementing modern manufacturing and maintenance techniques will be particularly well suited to this opportunity.

To be considered for this role, you should possess:

• Previous experience as an Engineering Manager or Maintenance Manager within a manufacturing environment.
• A recognised Engineering qualification (HNC, HND, Degree, Apprenticeship or equivalent).
• Strong leadership and people management experience.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and reliability initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach to maintenance strategy and asset performance.

Benefits include:

• £64,000 Basic Salary
• 10% Annual Bonus
• 10% Employer Pension Contribution
• Excellent Training & Development Opportunities
• OEM and Formal Engineering Qualifications Available
• Genuine Career Progression into Senior Leadership Roles
• Opportunity to join a market-leading manufacturing business with long-term growth plans