At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering excellence and drive cultural change in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Gafoor, a fast-growing family-owned food manufacturer in Preston.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation assistance, free meals, and enhanced pension.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Degree-level engineering qualification and proven leadership in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK (Relocation assistance available)
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum dependent on experience, specifically in relation to candidates with experience in the meat / poultry processing sector
Job type: Full time, Permanent
Shape the Future of Engineering at Gafoor
This is an opportunity to build, influence and transform. Gafoor is a fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturing business supplying major UK grocery, retail and wholesale customers from our modern, BRC-accredited facility in Preston. With 500 employees and a 24/5 operation spanning live intake through to finished product distribution, we are at a pivotal stage in our growth. We are investing in capability, infrastructure and leadership - and we are looking for a Head of Engineering.
About the Role:
- Strategic influence: A seat at the leadership table, shaping investment and integration of new technology.
- Autonomy: The scope to design and implement a best-in-class engineering roadmap.
- Transformation opportunity: The mandate to elevate engineering culture and embed preventative and predictive maintenance excellence.
- Commercial impact: Direct accountability for OEE, downtime reduction, cost control and performance optimisation.
- Real scale: Leadership of a multi skilled engineering team supporting a complex, high-throughput food manufacturing environment.
This role offers the rare balance of hands-on operational leadership and long-term strategic direction. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role and therefore candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK to be considered.
What You'll Be Responsible For:
- Driving cultural change and engineering excellence across the function
- Embedding a robust preventative and predictive maintenance framework
- Delivering measurable improvements in availability, efficiency and waste reduction
- Managing KPI performance, budgets and contractor relationships
- Leading a structured program of capital expenditure
- Ensuring engineering compliance with BRC requirements/standards
- Aligning engineering capability with ambitious business growth plans
- 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.
This is a visible leadership role requiring flexibility to support a 24/5 operation.
Who Will Thrive Here/What we are looking for:
You will be an experienced engineering leader from a food manufacturing background - ideally meat or poultry processing - who combines technical credibility with commercial acumen. You will bring:
- Degree-level (or equivalent) Engineering qualification
- Proven success leading multi-skilled engineering teams
- Strong experience implementing preventative maintenance and CI programmes
- Experience of managing 3rd party contractors and CDM compliance
- Experience managing capital expenditure projects
- Excellent I.T skills, all standards Microsoft packages
- Experience within BRC or similarly regulated environments
- A track record of improving OEE and operational performance
- The confidence to influence at board and shop-floor level
Most importantly, you will be motivated by building something stronger than what you inherited.
What You Gain/Why Join Gafoor:
- Competitive salary with flexibility for sector expertise
- Relocation package for candidates relocating (Relocation budget up to £5000)
- Genuine leadership influence within a growing, ambitious business
- The opportunity to shape culture, standards and long-term engineering strategy
- Free parking and onsite canteen serving fresh hot meals each day
- A business that values performance, accountability and continuous improvement
- Staff shop / discounted products
- PPE and uniform provided
- Enhanced pension and holiday entitlement with continuous service
If you are seeking the chance to join a well-established company at an exciting stage in their growth, please click the APPLY button to send your CV in for immediate consideration.
Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing employer: Gafoor
Gafoor is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Head of Engineering to lead and influence within a fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturing business. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, Gafoor provides a platform for meaningful contributions and career growth in a modern, BRC-accredited facility in Preston. The company values performance and accountability, ensuring that employees are equipped with the resources and autonomy needed to drive engineering excellence and cultural transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Gafoor.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Gafoor!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Gafoor, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Gafoor, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Food Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gafoor, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Gafoor.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Gafoor. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Gafoor. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gafoor
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Gafoor’s mission.
