Head of Engineering

Providing pro-active engineering direction and leadership for the site with overall responsibility for developing, driving and leading the engineering strategy for the site. Developing and maintaining strong relationships and interfaces. Providing senior level management and direction to the site engineering team to ensure provision of best engineering service to the site whilst ensuring full compliance with machinery & health & safety legislation, food safety standards and in line with legal and company standards. Delivering continual positive change to the business by the application of current and best engineering practice and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operating as a member of the Senior Management Team the role has responsibility to provide inspirational leadership to the site team and ensure that the integrity of the business is maintained to the highest level at all times.
• The role will hold ultimate responsibility for delivering mechanical reliability and machine availability.
• Delivering a strategy to achieve sustained engineering excellence will be a key measure of success.
• The role includes influencing senior management and gaining their full commitment to drive continuous improvement initiatives whilst delivering improved engineering service on site.
• The post requires someone who is credible in the eyes of all audiences whether that be internal colleagues and staff or external suppliers and major retailers.

Principal Accountabilities

• Develop and agree business wide engineering KPI’s with the site team, which drive continuous improvement, and influence real issues.
• Continually evaluate and implement improved standards of best practice and GMP throughout the business to ensure food safety and Health & safety compliance and gain competitive advantage through quality and reliability.
• Top level management of 3rd party contractors.
• Set the Engineering strategy and be responsible for its delivery.
• Ability to oversee large complex capital projects from design to commissioning.
• Develop, strengthen & support the engineering team and their professional development via annual personal development plans which dovetail into strategic engineering objectives.
• Ensuring the function has an equal voice and status within the business.
• Set and review engineering targets for the team and ensure these are translated into annual personal objectives which are regularly reviewed and evaluated.
• Lead in the recruitment and training of the engineering team.
• Provide leadership support focused on driving costs out of the business whilst ensuring engineering standards are maintained and improved upon.
• Network with other engineering management sharing manufacturing best practice and standards and own professional knowledge and development.

Knowledge & Experience

• Qualification; Educated to degree level in Engineering with relevant management qualifications.
• Experience; Experienced manager at a senior level, with at least 5 years senior management experience including substantial experience as lead/site engineering manager with responsibility for and demonstrable success of engineering business strategy and overall engineering performance.
• Previous experience and a proven track record of managing, motivating and developing teams and individuals.
• Proven track record in change management, achieving high standards and meeting set company targets.

Skills & Attributes

• Will be able to demonstrate gravitas and excellent communication and inter-personal skills both verbal and written.
• Able to “sell” engineering visions passionately to internal / external customers, teams and individuals.
• A critical eye with an absolute focus on attention to detail.
• Logical and structured approach to guide and co-ordinate the Engineering function.
• The ability to work well as part of an overall team and to work constructively and pro-actively as a member of the on-site Engineering management and supervisory team.
• A pro-active approach with the ability to drive forward new initiatives in support of business development.
• An active learner keen to continue to develop self and others.
• Computer Literacy and the ability to make best use of technology to further business success.
• Excellent and adaptable communicator – able to interact at shop floor level through to Board level communications.
• Clear team player, willing and able to work collaboratively as part of a site leadership team.
• Strong leadership skills, demonstrating ability to lead through people, motivating, encouraging.
• Able to motivate, empower and energise team members whilst managing performance to a high standard.
• High level of personal and professional integrity, leads by example and challenges poor behaviours and practice in others.
• Attention to detail and excellent numerical and verbal skills enabling clear analysis and communication of information.
• Ability to solve problems and works practically to provide solutions.