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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to enhance equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leading British food company with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, private medical insurance, and enhanced pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: BEng Degree or equivalent, strong leadership, and FMCG engineering management experience.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values authenticity and individuality.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
Site Engineering Manager – Ashford
Date: 10 Oct 2025
Location: Ashford, GB
Based – Ashford, Kent, TN24 0LU
Salary c£80,000 per annum + car allowance, bonus and PMI
About the Role
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.
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 over4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturingsites and offices up and down the country.
Many of our brands have been part of UK lifefor more than a century and you’ll find them in 90% of British households.
At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticityandindividuality.We aim to ensure all existingand futurecolleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to workno matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in.Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
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Site Engineering Manager - Ashford employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Engineering Manager - Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Premier Foods on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Premier Foods' values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in engineering management and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and driven change in previous roles. This is key for a Site Engineering Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 joining the Premier Foods family.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Engineering Manager - Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Site Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant engineering qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Premier Foods. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it's improving equipment reliability or leading a successful project, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering. Be prepared to discuss how your qualifications align with the role and how you can apply them to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your change management skills, especially in a trade union environment, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Premier Foods' leadership values and culture. During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around inclusion, authenticity, and continuous improvement in food safety and quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or improve processes. Think through potential scenarios related to maintenance strategies or team development, and be ready to outline your approach to achieving site and business goals.
