Shift Engineering Manager

Shift Engineering Manager

Preston Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join a leading UK food manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
  • Benefits: Ongoing training, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on safety, reliability, and performance in the food industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mechanical or electrical engineering and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and team culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Do you have proven experience leading engineering teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment?

Are you confident in balancing hands-on technical expertise with strong leadership and people development?

Would you like to play a key role in driving safety, reliability, and continuous improvement at a leading food manufacturer?

MacGregor Black are partnering with a Leading UK food Manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and high-performance production. Together we’re looking for a hands-on Shift Engineering Manager to lead and develop a high-performing engineering team at our Blackpool site.

This role is all about keeping the plant running smoothly: delivering proactive maintenance, solving breakdowns fast, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with Operations to keep production moving. You’ll be the go-to technical lead on shift, driving standards, building capability in your team, and ensuring engineering is always one step ahead.

If you’re a strong leader with an engineering background (mechanical, electrical, or multi-skilled), and you thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, this role puts you at the heart of performance, safety, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and motivate a team of 5 engineers, ensuring they deliver planned, reactive, and improvement work safely and effectively.
  • Take ownership of shift handovers, maintenance records, and engineering updates, keeping communication tight across shifts and with Operations.
  • Work closely with Shift Operations Managers, giving them clear technical insight to prioritise engineering tasks and make informed decisions.
  • Roll up your sleeves on complex mechanical/electrical tasks, keeping your skills sharp while supporting your team.
  • Drive a culture of safety, food compliance, and GMP across the plant and workshop.
  • Represent Engineering in short-interval control meetings, escalating issues where needed and ensuring the plant runs safely and reliably.
  • Manage team scheduling, holidays, and return-to-work processes fairly and effectively.
  • Champion continuous improvement — supporting reliability strategy, upskilling your team, and leveraging technology to improve performance.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Time-served in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (multi-skilled preferred).
  • Strong leadership and coordination skills proven experience leading engineering teams in manufacturing (ideally food / FMCG).
  • IOSH qualification (Food Safety / Hygiene desirable).
  • Confident using planned maintenance systems
  • Able to stay calm and decisive under pressure, solving problems logically and preventing repeat issues.
  • Safety-first mindset with experience of PTW, isolations, and contractor control.
  • A team player who can influence across functions while also rolling up their sleeves when needed.

Why Join?

  • Lead a key engineering team in a fast-moving, high-impact environment.
  • Opportunity to shape reliability, safety, and performance at a leading food manufacturer.
  • Ongoing training and development to keep your skills at the cutting edge.
  • A chance to make your mark by building a team culture that wins together.

Contact Shaun Docherty for more details.

Shift Engineering Manager employer: MacGregor Black

Join a leading UK food manufacturer in Blackpool, where you will not only lead a high-performing engineering team but also contribute to a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. With ongoing training and development opportunities, you'll be empowered to enhance your skills while making a significant impact on production reliability and performance. Experience a collaborative work environment that values teamwork and encourages you to roll up your sleeves alongside your team.
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Contact Detail:

MacGregor Black Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Shift Engineering Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Shift Engineering Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership examples. Think of specific situations where you’ve led a team through challenges or improved processes. We want to hear your stories that showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding the values and mission of the food manufacturer can help you tailor your approach during interviews. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team dynamic.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position and the company. Let’s get you that Shift Engineering Manager role!

We think you need these skills to ace Shift Engineering Manager

Leadership Skills
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Multi-skilled Engineering
Planned Maintenance Systems
Safety Management
Food Safety Compliance
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Coordination
Continuous Improvement
Communication Skills
Technical Insight
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Adaptability in High-Pressure Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Shift Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any hands-on technical expertise you've got, especially in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led engineering teams and driven improvements in safety and reliability. Make it personal and engaging!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention how you’ve tackled complex mechanical or electrical tasks. We want to see your logical approach to problem-solving and how you keep things running smoothly under pressure.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black

✨Know Your Engineering Stuff

Brush up on your mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific technical challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment. This will show that you can roll up your sleeves and tackle complex tasks while leading your team.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations. Think about times when you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your ability to balance hands-on work with strong leadership will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance

Since safety is a top priority in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with safety protocols, food compliance, and good manufacturing practices (GMP). Share specific instances where you implemented safety measures or improved compliance in your previous positions.

✨Communicate Effectively

Practice clear and concise communication, especially when discussing technical insights. You’ll need to convey information effectively to both your engineering team and operations managers. Being able to articulate your thoughts will demonstrate your capability to keep everyone aligned and informed.

Shift Engineering Manager
MacGregor Black
Location: Preston

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