Contracts Engineer - Food Engineering in Elland

This role supports Project Engineers by overseeing the identification of parts and equipment, assisting with quotation preparation, and managing day‑to‑day project activities both on client sites and within the workshop. The Contracts Engineer ensures teams operate safely, efficiently, and in line with business and customer requirements. The position involves low‑volume, bespoke engineered products tailored to specific customer needs, requiring high technical understanding and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Take direction from Project Engineers/Managers while overseeing daily organisation of self and project teams on‑site and in the workshop.
• Monitor and achieve project targets and timescales in line with engineering and customer requirements.
• Support delivery of technically complex projects within budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Coordinate installation activities across multiple sites and disciplines.
• Schedule team workloads to maximise efficiency, output, and cost control.
• Ensure timely communication of manufacturing requirements to Project Engineers.
• Ensure materials and equipment are available, functional, and compliant with requirements.
• Assist in preparing and enforcing risk assessments and method statements.
• Monitor and manage health and safety on‑site and in the workshop.
• Identify and report non‑conformances and improvement opportunities.
• Interpret and apply customer engineering and hygiene standards.
• Communicate project scope or design changes back to Project Engineers.
• Manage workload priorities in line with business objectives.
• Provide professional and informative customer interaction and technical support.
• Monitor team performance, welfare, and development, recommending training where needed.
• Identify potential sales opportunities during site visits and report accordingly.

Requirements

• Strong technical knowledge of process engineering and special‑purpose machinery.
• Ability to lead installations and make decisions independently when required.
• Excellent organisational and team coordination skills.
• Good understanding of mechanical engineering principles and hygienic practices (food industry desirable).
• Proven ability to resolve technical issues effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience managing technical projects with tight deadlines and milestones.
• Strong people management and prioritisation skills across multiple projects.
• High commitment to quality and customer service.
• Commercial awareness with experience delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced team members.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and effective delegation capability.
• Ability to contribute to development of hygienic manufacturing procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a relevant engineering or production discipline.
• Apprentice‑trained in a mechanical engineering field.
• Full and valid UK driving licence.

Salary & Benefits

• Full‑time role involving both site‑based and workshop activities.
• £23 per hour + standard overtime.
• Expected to work 50+ hours due to on‑site work.
• Health insurance.
• Expenses paid for including £30 per night when staying away.
• Use of a van.
• 39 hour week + overtime.
• Opportunity to work on bespoke, technically challenging projects.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Collaborative and safety‑focused working environment.