At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting engineering projects from start to finish in the food processing industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic and growing engineering operation with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime potential, company car, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible work environment with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing complex projects across Europe, the USA, and beyond.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with project management skills; experience in food processing is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Project Manager to join a successful and growing engineering operation delivering complex projects within the food processing industry. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a highly skilled team managing full “inception to completion” turnkey engineering projects across the UK and internationally. Projects currently span across Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from initial handover through to final commissioning and client sign-off, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
The Role
Working closely with an established team of Project Engineers, Design, Compliance, and Logistics professionals, you will lead and manage multiple engineering projects throughout their full lifecycle. You will be responsible for coordinating timelines, customer communication, supplier management, technical approvals, commercial tracking, installation supervision, commissioning, and project handover. This role requires a proactive individual with strong self‑motivation, commercial awareness, and the ability to drive projects through to successful completion.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage project timelines from inception through to completion
- Conduct detailed site surveys and establish project requirements with customers
- Manage equipment layouts and design approval processes
- Coordinate suppliers, tendering, negotiations, and purchasing activities
- Produce and interpret project documentation including P&IDs and PFDs
- Monitor project costs, invoicing schedules, and variations
- Deliver project reporting internally and externally
- Manage equipment inspections, quality checks, and certification processes
- Coordinate shipping and logistics activities
- Lead on‑site installation, commissioning, training, and final handover
- Supervise contractors and engineering teams during installation phases
- Ensure projects are delivered fully commissioned, snag‑free, and signed off against KPIs
- On larger projects, lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and oversee CDM compliance
Travel & Working Pattern
75% office‑based 25% site‑based. Site work may involve UK and international travel, including occasional extended installation periods planned well in advance. Flexibility and willingness to travel are essential.
The Package
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Significant overtime earning potential (typically increasing annual earnings by 20‑50%)
- Company bonus scheme
- Company car or car allowance
- All business travel expenses covered
- 26 days holiday plus public holidays
- Private healthcare scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Mobile phone, laptop, AutoCAD workstation equipment provided
About You
We are looking for someone with a strong engineering background and excellent project management capability.
Ideal Experience & Skills
- Eligible to work in the UK
- HNC/HND qualified in Engineering or above preferred
- Previous experience within food processing or industrial engineering environments
- Strong understanding of machinery processes and engineering design
- Excellent organisational and commercial awareness
- Hands‑on engineering mindset with strong problem‑solving ability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Flexible and enthusiastic approach to project delivery and travel
- Strong IT skills (Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD preferred)
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic engineering environment where you can take true ownership of projects from concept through to successful delivery.
Project Manager employer: Coulter Elite Resourcing
Join a dynamic engineering operation in Peterborough, where you will be part of a highly skilled team delivering complex food processing projects across the globe. We offer a competitive salary, significant overtime potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and a company car. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and encourages ownership of projects, making it an excellent place for motivated individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and food processing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common project management scenarios. Think about how you’d handle tight deadlines or unexpected challenges. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve managed projects before, gather documentation, reports, and any visuals that highlight your achievements. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your engineering background and any relevant experience in food processing or industrial engineering. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've managed and how you’ve driven them to successful completion. Let us know your passion for project management!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your organisational and commercial awareness. We love candidates who can manage timelines and budgets effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coulter Elite Resourcing
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the company undertakes. Familiarise yourself with their engineering processes, especially in food processing. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Project Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed project timelines, coordinated teams, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your proactive approach and how you ensure projects are delivered snag-free.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around machinery processes and engineering design. Brush up on relevant concepts like P&IDs and PFDs, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. This shows you're not just a manager but also have a solid engineering background.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Enthusiasm
Given the travel requirements of the role, it's crucial to convey your willingness to travel and adapt to different environments. Share experiences where you've successfully managed site-based work or international projects, showcasing your enthusiasm for taking on challenges in diverse settings.
