Site Engineering Manager in Ashford, Kent

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Site Engineering Manager to lead our engineering team in driving continuous improvement across equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency. This is a pivotal leadership role within our Ashford site, offering the opportunity to shape long-term engineering strategy and contribute to our broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership of maintenance and reliability teams covering all site equipment - process, production, utilities and facilities and management of associated budgets.
• Ensure site compliance with Engineering specifications, Environmental, Health & Safety policies and relevant, current legislation.
• Drive a food safety quality culture through engagement and continuous improvement to maintain and improve the safety, authenticity, legality, and quality of products manufactured on site.
• Work very closely with operations team to set priorities, manage day to day performance and output and deliver site OEE targets.
• Craft the Engineering team culture and norms in accordance with Premier Foods Leadership values, identify gaps in being a successful team and act on them.
• Develop a 5 year maintenance strategy and implementation plan to achieve site and business goals including proactive maintenance in line with overall masterplan and site vision.
• Identify training and development needs for all engineering colleagues and provide them with the necessary technical expertise and support through coaching, mentoring and formal training.
• Establishing team objectives to meet schedules and goals, establish and evolve policies and procedures that affect the immediate organization and align long term plan with site vision and other functions.

What We’re Looking For:

• BEng Degree (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing) or equivalent technical qualifications.
• Rounded leadership experience, able to engage and motivate large teams.
• Previous experience in FMCG engineering management.
• Strong change management skills evidenced within a trade union environment.
• Demonstrated success in improving equipment availability and performance.
• Ability to manage people performance - coaching and development of a team.

What we offer in return:

• Salary of circa £80,000 per annum.
• Car allowance of £6,780 per annum.
• 10% bonus.
• Private medical insurance.
• Enhanced pension scheme with life assurance.

A great British food company, Premier Foods is one of Britain's biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country. Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century and you’ll find them in 90% of British households. At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.