At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to enhance food manufacturing processes and culture.
- Company: Join Gafoor, a family-owned business thriving in the food manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK; sponsorship not available.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative role in a reputable company with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and proven leadership experience in food manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job type: Full time, Permanent
Gafoor is a dynamic and rapidly growing family-owned business in Preston looking for an experienced engineering manager with a strong background in food manufacturing. Gafoor is a key player in their sector operating in a modern, BRC accredited facility supplying some of the biggest and most progressive names in the grocery, retail, and wholesale sector on a national basis.
About the Role:
This pivotal leadership role will drive the transformation of the engineering culture and will play a central part in shaping broader engineering strategy. Accountable for a team of circa 16 engineers covering a 24/7 shift pattern with KPI, OEE and budgetary responsibility. The operation involves live animal intake through to distribution of finished and packed product from the company's single manufacturing site in Preston, employing 500 team members. The successful candidate will require a flexible approach to their working hours in order to provide leadership and direction for our team of engineers, 3rd party contractors and visitors. The overall focus of the role will be to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the operation to maximise efficiencies by minimising down time and waste. Implementing and overseeing a best-in-class preventative maintenance culture. Working with the cross functional management team, the position will also contribute to the development and implementation of organisational strategies, policies and practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive cultural change and engineering excellence across the engineering team.
- Set clear performance goals, foster an inclusive team culture, and drive the team to maintain high standards of technical quality and operational efficiency.
- Align the engineering roadmap with business goals and help the business move towards its ambition growth targets.
- Provide technical guidance and leadership while ensuring the team is equipped to meet their goals.
- Schedule and support a 12-month calendar of plant overhauls, infrastructure projects and service contracts.
- Measure the effectiveness of engineering activities and report against KPI's.
- Establish a culture of planned and predictive maintenance.
- Ensure standards of quality, food safety, hygiene and housekeeping are consistently maintained.
- Support and implement change processes in line with business developments and opportunities.
- Be an active member of the company's leadership team and play a key role in shaping the day to day management and culture of the wider team.
About you:
The candidate must have skills and experiences in the following areas:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in an Engineering discipline.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with experience managing and developing diverse engineering teams.
- A track record in implementing a preventative maintenance and Continuous Improvement culture.
- Skilled in quality systems, management reporting, and leading technical teams to deliver results.
- Experience of operating within a BRC or similar accredited environment.
Please note that sponsorship is not on offer for this role and therefore candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered.
Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing in Preston employer: Gafoor Ltd
Gafoor Ltd. is an exceptional employer that values innovation and leadership in the food manufacturing sector. Located in Preston, the company offers a dynamic work culture with a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as relocation assistance and a generous salary package. As an Engineering Leader, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the engineering landscape while enjoying a flexible work schedule that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Research Gafoor's company culture and values. Understanding their commitment to quality and innovation in food manufacturing will help you align your leadership style with their expectations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in BRC accredited environments. This can provide you with insights into industry standards and practices that are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven cultural change and engineering excellence in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in implementing preventative maintenance and continuous improvement will demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to engineering in food manufacturing. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how to measure and improve operational efficiency will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in food manufacturing and engineering management. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and your understanding of the food manufacturing sector. Mention how your skills can drive cultural change and engineering excellence at Gafoor.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your degree or equivalent qualifications in an engineering discipline. If you have experience in BRC accredited environments, make sure to mention this as it is a key requirement for the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Provide examples of how you've successfully managed diverse engineering teams and implemented preventative maintenance cultures. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gafoor Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed engineering teams in the past, focusing on fostering an inclusive culture and driving performance.
✨Understand the Food Manufacturing Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and regulations within the food manufacturing industry, especially BRC accreditation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements and how you can contribute to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to engineering principles, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement practices. Brush up on relevant concepts and be prepared to explain how you've implemented these strategies in previous roles.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research Gafoor's business objectives and be prepared to discuss how you can align the engineering roadmap with their growth targets. Show that you understand their vision and are ready to contribute to their strategic goals.
