At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape an engineering team in a dynamic food and drink manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing manufacturer with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative leadership team driving performance and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming engineering processes and empowering your team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in engineering management within the food and drink sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join a food and drink manufacturer on an exciting growth trajectory with five years of consistent expansion and investment, with more ahead. If you're looking for a business where you can genuinely shape an engineering function, build processes from the ground up, and grow a team, this is a brilliant opportunity.
We're looking for a Head of Engineering to join the leadership team as the senior engineering voice and expert, someone who thrives working across functions and gets real satisfaction from developing people.
As Head of Engineering, you'll be:
- Building an engineering team that's fully integrated with operations, working to joined-up plans that deliver daily targets and wider business goals
- Driving performance improvements and championing a "right first-time" culture
- Growing your team through clear, strong communication - helping them understand their accountabilities and how their work feeds into the bigger engineering plan
- Transforming the team from reactive to proactive, empowering people to take initiative and make a real impact on operational efficiency
- Championing cross-functional collaboration to help the wider business hit its goals
- Reviewing and evolving the engineering structure so it keeps pace with and supports operations
- Sitting on the site's Management Team, playing a key role in overall site performance
- Embedding structure and rigour into the team's approach to PPM - going beyond routine checks to truly understand the kit and stay one step ahead of breakdowns
About the business:
- Multiple long-standing, trusted retail customers
- Complex, engaging manufacturing processes
- A fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- A strong track record of outstanding customer service
- Consistent growth over the past five years, with more to come
What we'd love to see in your CV:
- Proven experience developing engineering teams — helping people feel valued and giving them a genuine voice in the business
- A strong engineering management background within Food and Drink manufacturing (essential)
- A track record of building solid engineering processes that create a foundation for measurable improvement
- Excellent communication skills, engaging both your immediate team and wider operations/supply chain colleagues
- Confident decision-making in a fast-paced environment, with a habit of keeping others informed
- A clear understanding of operational KPIs and how to translate them into engineering objectives
Head of Engineering in Exeter employer: Novus Recruitment
Join a long-established business renowned for its innovation and quality in the food industry, where your role as a Product NPD Manager will allow you to shape new product concepts with autonomy and support. With a flexible work-life balance and a culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship from a progressive Development Director, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career while making a significant impact on top-tier products for key retail accounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Exeter
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Novus Recruitment, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Novus Recruitment specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novus Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Novus Recruitment, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Novus Recruitment value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
