At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering operations and drive maintenance transformation in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a key manufacturing facility known for its unique chocolate production process.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: 5 days onsite with core hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm, flexible when needed.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering in a complex and rewarding manufacturing setting.
- Qualifications: Significant engineering leadership experience and knowledge of Lean methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Contract: Initial 6-Month Contract
Hours: 36 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday
CS Technical Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced Engineering Lead to join a key manufacturing facility based in Chirk, Clwyd. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior engineering professional to take ownership of engineering operations within a complex and challenging heavy process environment. The successful candidate will lead the site's engineering strategy, drive a preventative maintenance culture, implement Lean principles, and help shape future investment plans for a facility that plays a critical role within the company's wider manufacturing network.
About the Site
The Chirk facility is a unique manufacturing operation, acting as one of the first stages of the chocolate manufacturing process. The site receives and processes cocoa beans, converting them into semi-finished products which are supplied to other manufacturing facilities, as well as producing cocoa powder products for customer distribution. Operations are split across both process and packaging, with approximately two-thirds of the site focused on processing activities and one-third dedicated to packaging operations.
The manufacturing process includes:
- Cocoa bean handling and storage in silos
- Large-scale roasting operations
- Milling, pressing and blending systems
- Automated packing and distribution facilities
The site presents a fascinating engineering challenge, combining modern manufacturing practices with legacy equipment. Some of the original roasting assets date back to the site's opening in 1968, creating a diverse asset base requiring strong engineering leadership, reliability planning and investment strategy.
The Role
As Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for the overall engineering performance of the facility, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical and instrumentation disciplines. You will drive the site's maintenance transformation programme, moving engineering activities from a reactive approach to a proactive preventative and predictive maintenance culture, whilst championing Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the plant. You will also play a key role in developing long-term asset management strategies, capital investment roadmaps and business cases to secure future investment across the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach and develop engineering, maintenance and technical teams
- Manage engineering resource planning and capability development
- Provide technical leadership across complex engineering challenges
- Drive a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain and HSE teams
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
- Champion Lean Manufacturing methodologies across the site
- Implement and sustain:
- TPM
- 5S
- MED
- Value Stream Mapping
- Eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency
- Monitor and improve key metrics including:
- MTBF
- MTTR
- Continue the transition from reactive to preventative and predictive maintenance
- Develop structured maintenance strategies for critical assets
- Utilise SAP CMMS to optimise maintenance planning and execution
- Introduce and develop condition-based monitoring techniques
- Improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime
- Develop site-wide asset management strategies
- Lead reliability improvement initiatives
- Support equipment upgrades and replacement projects
- Develop investment roadmaps and capital expenditure business cases
- Balance operational priorities with long‑term engineering objectives
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and environmental legislation
- Maintain engineering standards, documentation and procedures
- Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance activities
Requirements - Essential
- Significant engineering leadership experience within manufacturing or process industries
- Proven success leading maintenance and reliability improvement programmes
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing methodologies
- Demonstrated success transitioning maintenance strategies from reactive to preventative/predictive approaches
- Strong knowledge of CMMS systems, ideally SAP
- Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong understanding of asset management and reliability engineering
- Ability to influence stakeholders and secure investment for engineering improvement activities
Preferred Industry Backgrounds
- Food Manufacturing
- FMCG
- Chemical Processing
- Heavy Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Other complex process environments
Degree qualified in an Engineering discipline
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
Experience with predictive maintenance technologies
Knowledge of Industry 4.0 and data-driven maintenance strategies
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a site with significant engineering complexity and genuine opportunities to make an impact. You will inherit a challenging but rewarding environment where you'll be responsible for improving reliability, implementing Lean methodologies, influencing future investment decisions and helping shape the long‑term engineering strategy of the facility. The business is looking for an experienced engineering leader who can quickly understand the operation, build credibility with stakeholders and begin delivering improvements from day one. Candidates should be comfortable working with an ageing asset base where engineering judgement, strategic thinking and practical problem‑solving are critical to success.
Additional Info
- 5 days onsite (non‑negotiable)
- Monday to Friday role
- Core hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm with an earlier finish on Fridays
- Flexibility is required when business needs demand
- Initial 6-month contract
- Inside IR35
- Candidates seeking longer‑term contract opportunities are encouraged to apply
Recruitment Process
- Initial informal Microsoft Teams interview
- Followed by a formal onsite interview
Please note that our clients are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Food Manufacturing - Engineering Lead in Chirk employer: Caresoft Global
Caresoft Global is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring your skills remain at the forefront of the industry. Located in a vibrant area, the company promotes a healthy work-life balance and fosters a culture of teamwork and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Manufacturing - Engineering Lead in Chirk
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Caresoft Global looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Manufacturing - Engineering Lead in Chirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caresoft Global
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Caresoft Global.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Caresoft Global’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
