At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting capital projects and support site operations for impactful improvements.
- Company: Join Recycling Lives Services, a B Corp focused on social value and environmental excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and generous leave with supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven company with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your engineering skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and experience in managing CAPEX projects.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Preston, PR2 - Site-based with travel to project locations as required
Hours: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week
Salary: £65,000 per annum, dependant on experience. Plus car allowance.
The Project Engineer plays a critical dual role within the site: acting as a key support to the Head of Site Operations in the day-to-day running of each operational site, while taking full ownership of the capital investment project pipeline. The role is responsible for identifying, developing, and delivering capital investment projects that drive measurable improvement to the site P&L — reducing costs, increasing throughput, improving reliability, and enabling future growth.
The Business Recycling Lives Services is not a typical recycling company. Since 2008, the business has been structurally built around social value, employing people from disadvantaged backgrounds, partnering with the justice system to reduce reoffending, and delivering environmental excellence at scale. The social mission is not a layer added on top of commercial activity. It is the reason the business operates in the way it does. As a certified B Corp (scoring 103.5 against a business median of 50.9), Recycling Lives Services generated £42.9m in social value in 2024, achieved a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions, and diverted 97% of waste from landfill. 15% of our team have been welcomed through our rehabilitation programmes, and only 6% of people we support reoffend — compared to a national average of over 25%. We operate UK-wide across construction, manufacturing, retail, utilities and public sector markets, offering total waste management, WEEE recycling, and specialist hazardous waste services.
Key Responsibilities
- Support to Head of Site Operations
- Act as a deputy to the Head of Site Operations, covering operational decisions in their absence
- Support the development and execution of the site operational strategy and annual business plan
- Contribute to site performance reviews, KPI reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Liaise with cross‑functional teams including maintenance, production, HSE, finance, and procurement
- Assist in managing site budgets, contractor relationships, and resource planning
- Prepare management reports, board papers, and presentations relating to site performance and project progress
- CAPEX Project Leadership
- Own the end‑to‑end delivery of all site CAPEX projects, from initial business case through to handover and benefits realisation
- Identify and evaluate CAPEX opportunities that directly enhance site P&L through cost reduction, efficiency gain, or capacity expansion
- Develop business cases including ROI, IRR, payback period, and risk analysis for executive and board approval
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and quality in line with agreed targets
- Lead project teams including internal engineers, specialist contractors, and third‑party suppliers
- Ensure all projects are delivered in full compliance with HSE, statutory, and company standards
- Track and report post‑project benefit realisation against the approved business case
- Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Manage the site CAPEX budget, ensuring spend is controlled and fully reconciled
- Work with Finance to ensure accurate CAPEX forecasting and accruals
- Drive value engineering and procurement excellence across the project portfolio
- Identify and report risks, issues, and opportunities with a clear commercial lens
- HSE & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture across all project activities
- Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with CDM regulations, site rules, and permit‑to‑work systems
- Conduct and review risk assessments, method statements, and contractor competency checks
- Stakeholder Management
- Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and operational teams
- Manage external relationships with contractors, equipment vendors, consultants, and regulatory bodies
- Communicate project status, risks, and milestones clearly and proactively
Measures of Success
- Capital expenditure project delivery: on time, on budget, and within scope
- P&L improvement realised from completed Capital expenditure projects vs. business case targets
- Site operational KPIs (operational equipment effectiveness, downtime, cost per unit) supported through project delivery
- Capital expenditure budget accuracy: forecast vs. actual variance
- HSE performance: zero LTIs on project activities and full compliance with permits
- Stakeholder satisfaction from Head of Site Operations and wider leadership team
- Quality and timeliness of management reporting and business case submissions
The ideal candidate
Essential
- Degree‑level qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)
- Proven experience managing Capital expenditure projects in an industrial or manufacturing environment
- Demonstrable track record of delivering engineering projects with clear P&L impact
- Strong financial acumen, ability to build and interrogate business cases, budgets, and forecasts
- Experience working alongside or supporting senior operational leadership
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Lean Methodology – Understanding fundamental principles like value stream mapping, 5S, flow, pull, and continuous improvement (Kaizen)
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or working towards chartership
- NEBOSH General Certificate or higher
Benefits
- Competitive remuneration package
- Car allowance
- Supportive team in a growing company
- Pensions contribution, 5% employee 3% employer
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Access to free in‑house, qualified counselling support
- Access to free and impartial financial advisors
- Healthcare cash back plan*
- Access to ethical loan and savings products*
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay*
- Cycle to work scheme*
*Employees become eligible after 12 months service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Project Engineer in Preston employer: Recycling Lives Services
Recycling Lives Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful social change while advancing your career as a Project Engineer. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a supportive team environment, and a competitive benefits package including a car allowance and healthcare support, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises both professional development and social impact. Located in Preston, this role allows you to play a pivotal part in delivering capital investment projects that not only enhance site performance but also drive significant social value across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially since they focus on social impact. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience with CAPEX projects and how you've driven P&L improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Recycling Lives Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Engineer role. Highlight your experience with capital expenditure projects and any relevant engineering qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for social value and how you can contribute to our goals at Recycling Lives Services. Keep it concise but impactful, and let us know why you're the perfect fit.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively. Use metrics where possible to show how you've positively impacted P&L in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
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 Recycling Lives Services
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the capital expenditure projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you improved P&L, reduced costs, or increased efficiency. This will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Brush Up on Financial Acumen
Since financial accountability is key for this role, be prepared to talk about how you've built and interrogated business cases, budgets, and forecasts. Practise explaining ROI, IRR, and payback periods clearly, as these are crucial for the decision-making process.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Highlight how you communicated project statuses and managed expectations. This will show that you can effectively liaise with various teams and maintain strong partnerships.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with HSE regulations and CDM requirements relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've championed safety culture in previous projects and ensured compliance. This will demonstrate your dedication to maintaining a safe working environment.
