At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and drive improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturers in food and wellness.
- Benefits: Exciting expansion plans, investment in people, and a chance to shape engineering strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on engineering evolution and support major site expansions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in regulated manufacturing and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Engineering
- Monday - Friday
Build the Future of Engineering.
We're partnering with one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturers operating within the food and wellness sector.
Following significant investment, continued commercial growth and ambitious expansion plans, the business is now looking to appoint a Head of Engineering to lead the next stage of its engineering evolution.
Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you'll take ownership of the engineering function, developing the people, systems, maintenance strategy and technical capability required to support a business entering its next phase of growth, automation and operational scale.
If you're someone who enjoys creating structure, developing engineering teams, improving equipment reliability and leaving a lasting legacy, this could be one of the most exciting engineering leadership opportunities currently available.
The Opportunity
You'll provide senior leadership across engineering, leading the engineering team while creating the systems, standards and maintenance disciplines needed to support a rapidly growing manufacturing business.
The business manufactures a wide range of products within highly regulated production environments and continues to invest heavily in new equipment, automation, site expansion and future manufacturing capability.
You'll play a central role in ensuring engineering becomes a key driver of operational performance, equipment reliability and future business growth.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where you'll spend time on the factory floor supporting your team, driving engineering standards and working collaboratively across Production, Quality, Technical, Projects and Operations.
- What You'll Be Responsible For
- Leading the engineering function across the manufacturing operation.
- Coaching, mentoring and developing Lead Engineers and the wider engineering team.
- Building a high-performing engineering culture focused on accountability, reliability and technical excellence.
- Driving improvements across equipment reliability, uptime, planned maintenance, asset performance and engineering efficiency.
- Developing robust preventative maintenance strategies and ensuring the CMMS is utilised to its full potential.
- Leading engineering involvement in CAPEX projects, machinery installations, commissioning and future site development.
- Managing engineering budgets, contractor performance, supplier relationships and engineering expenditure.
- Working collaboratively with Production, Technical, Quality, Planning and Projects to improve overall operational performance.
- Supporting the future site expansion, equipment relocation and manufacturing growth strategy.
- Ensuring engineering standards, documentation, compliance and Health & Safety expectations are consistently achieved.
- We're Looking For
We're interested in experienced engineering leaders who thrive within fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environments.
Backgrounds could include
- Food Manufacturing
- Nutraceuticals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Drink Manufacturing
- Cosmetics or Personal Care
You'll likely have experience as a
- Head of Engineering
- Engineering Manager
- Senior Engineering Manager
- Engineering & Maintenance Manager
- Site Engineering Manager
Most importantly, you'll be an inspirational leader who enjoys developing engineering teams, raising technical standards and building engineering functions that are ready for future growth.
- What You'll Bring
- Proven senior engineering leadership experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance and asset reliability.
- Proven experience improving machinery performance, equipment reliability and engineering efficiency.
- Experience managing CAPEX projects, machinery installations, commissioning, site expansions or factory relocations.
- Strong technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Experience managing maintenance budgets, contractor performance, supplier relationships and engineering expenditure.
- IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH General Certificate or an equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be highly desirable.
- Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments operating to standards such as GMP, BRCGS, HACCP and ISO.
- Exposure to Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen or Lean Six Sigma would be advantageous.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with a genuine hands-on approach on the factory floor.
Experience within Food Manufacturing or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing would both be highly desirable.
Why This Opportunity?
Opportunities like this don't come around often.
You'll be joining a business that continues to invest heavily in its people, facilities and engineering capability, with exciting plans for further expansion over the coming years.
Rather than simply maintaining an established engineering department, you'll have genuine influence over how engineering evolves.
You'll play a key role in supporting a major site expansion, shaping future engineering strategy, leading significant equipment investment and developing an engineering function capable of supporting long-term business growth.
If you enjoy building, improving and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you
Head Of Engineering in Maidstone employer: Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values reliability and hands-on experience. Employees benefit from a structured temp-to-perm pathway, ensuring job security and opportunities for growth within the thriving manufacturing sector of Littlehampton/Rustington. With a focus on high-quality standards and teamwork, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to develop their skills in metal finishing.
Contact Details:
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Engineering in Maidstone
✨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 Head Of Engineering role you’re after at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head Of Engineering at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd, 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 Head Of Engineering in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head Of Engineering, 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd, 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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.
