At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Engineering team to drive performance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Avara Foods, a leader in the food manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape site strategy and make a real impact on engineering excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering leadership experience and a technical background required.
The predicted salary is between 42556 - 52012 £ per year.
About the Role
Lead Engineering Excellence with Avara Foods
Are you an experienced Engineering leader with a passion for building high-performing teams, driving reliability and leading continuous improvement?
We are looking for a highly capable and motivated Engineering Manager to lead the Engineering function at our Hollybank site, based in Scropton, Derbyshire.
This role requires you to be on site 5 days a week, supporting our Operational facility and the Engineering team.
Whilst this role is predominately office based, there is a requirement for you to spend regular daily and weekly time in our ambient factory environment.
Purpose of the Role
As Engineering Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the Engineering team to ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of all site assets and infrastructure.
As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you'll provide technical leadership across maintenance, reliability, continuous improvement and capital projects, supporting the delivery of site performance objectives across safety, quality, service, cost and people.
We're looking for a leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent people leadership.
Someone who can inspire and develop their team, influence across functions and use data and insight to deliver operational excellence and long-term asset performance.
Your Key Responsibilities as Engineering Manager will include
- Leading the Engineering function, providing clear direction, coaching and development for the Engineering team.
- Acting as a key member of the Hollybank Site Leadership Team, contributing to site strategy and business performance.
- Developing and delivering the Engineering strategy to support site KPIs, business objectives and future growth.
- Driving a proactive maintenance culture through effective planned, predictive and preventative maintenance programmes.
- Ensuring high levels of equipment reliability and asset availability across the site.
- Managing the Engineering budget, including repairs and maintenance, contractor expenditure and capital investment plans.
- Owning and developing engineering systems and CMMS processes to support performance, compliance and reliability improvement.
- Ensuring engineering activities are carried out safely, maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for colleagues and contractors.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis and engineering projects to improve operational performance.
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external contractors.
- Managing contractors on site and ensuring all work is completed in line with company standards and legislative requirements.
- Supporting succession planning, capability development and the creation of a high-performing engineering culture.
- Leading in line with Avara's values, creating an environment of accountability, collaboration, engagement and continuous improvement.
What We Are Looking For in an Engineering Manager
Essential Skills / Experience
- Strong engineering leadership experience, with a proven ability to lead, develop and motivate engineering teams.
- HND, HNC or equivalent qualification in Engineering, with a strong technical background.
- Significant experience leading Engineering functions within manufacturing, industrial, FMCG or similarly fast-paced operational environments.
- Experience managing planned maintenance, reliability improvement and asset management strategies.
- Proven experience delivering engineering improvement and capital projects.
- Strong budget management experience, with accountability for maintenance spend and investment planning.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and levels.
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, using data and insight to drive performance improvements.
- Experience managing contractors and external suppliers effectively.
- Excellent communication and people leadership skills, with a track record of coaching and developing teams.
- A proactive, resilient and adaptable approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Degree qualified in Engineering.
- CEng or IEng professional registration.
- Food manufacturing, poultry or FMCG experience.
- Experience leading organisational change and transformation initiatives.
- NEBOSH or IOSH qualification.
Why Join Hollybank?
This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team at Hollybank and play a pivotal role in shaping site performance.
You'll have the opportunity to influence site strategy, lead a critical function and develop engineering capability while supporting the delivery of Avara's ambitious business goals.
At Avara Foods, we're committed to creating a culture where colleagues can grow, develop and make a real impact.
We believe our people are our greatest strength and we're looking for leaders who share that belief.
- Closing Date for internal applications: Thursday 13th August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Engineering Manager employer: AVARA FOODS LIMITED
Avara Foods is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a secure and supportive environment at our Banbury site. As a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer, you will benefit from comprehensive training, a competitive salary of up to £50,000, and a range of perks including a generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and access to an extensive Employee Benefit Scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and rewarded as you advance in your engineering career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Manager role you’re after at AVARA FOODS LIMITED.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at AVARA FOODS LIMITED a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at AVARA FOODS LIMITED.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Manager at AVARA FOODS LIMITED, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at AVARA FOODS LIMITED a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to AVARA FOODS LIMITED specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at AVARA FOODS LIMITED
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with AVARA FOODS LIMITED, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like AVARA FOODS LIMITED want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
