At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting engineering projects from concept to installation in the food processing industry.
- Company: Established engineering firm in Cambridge with a focus on bespoke machinery solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car for travel, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Permanent role with Monday to Friday hours and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing industry while managing innovative projects.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in Engineering with proven project management experience.
Sapien are working with an established engineering and manufacturing business specialising in the design and delivery of bespoke food processing machinery and production line solutions in Cambridge.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced Project Manager to take ownership of complex engineering projects from initial concept through to installation, commissioning and final customer sign-off.
This role requires someone who understands the products and processes involved in industrial machinery projects and can confidently manage the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage projects from initial award through to design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and customer sign-off.
- Develop and maintain project plans, budgets, timelines and risk assessments, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Act as the main point of contact for customers, managing expectations and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Work with Sales to understand customer requirements and develop suitable production line layouts and solutions.
- Use engineering knowledge to specify mechanical and electrical components, including conveyors, motors, belts and pneumatic systems.
- Liaise with Design Engineers, providing project briefs and supporting the development of Solid Works models and manufacturing drawings.
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, relevant legislation and food industry hygiene standards.
- Work closely with Manufacturing to monitor build progress, quality and project deadlines.
- Oversee and support installation and commissioning at customer sites.
- Identify and resolve technical issues, project risks and cost pressures, looking for opportunities to improve designs and reduce costs.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, provide regular progress updates and ensure a smooth handover to the Service team.
Experience & Qualifications
- HND, degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
- Strong, proven experience in a Project Manager or Senior Engineering role within food processing machinery, capital equipment, industrial automation or a closely related engineering sector.
- A successful track record of delivering complex engineering projects from initial concept through to manufacture, installation and commissioning.
- Strong understanding of industrial machinery, production line equipment and associated engineering processes.
- Experience specifying mechanical components, including conveyors, motors, pneumatics and fabricated structures.
- Commercial awareness, including project budgeting, cost control and customer management.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and work closely with design and manufacturing teams.
- Experience using CAD software, ideally Solid Works, alongside project planning tools such as MS Project.
Desirable Experience
- Direct experience within the food processing or food production machinery sector.
- Knowledge of food industry hygiene standards, hygienic design principles and relevant legislation, including BRCGS requirements.
- Additional Information
- Salary of £50,000 – £70,000, depending on experience.
- Permanent, office-based position
- Company pool car available for business travel, with mileage claims also offered.
- Monday to Friday working hours, 08:00 – 16:30
Project Manager in Cambridge employer: Sapien
At Sapien Engineering, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where our engineers can thrive. Located near Market Harborough, we offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a culture that encourages creativity and ownership of projects. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your growth in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Cambridge
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Manager role you’re after at Sapien.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Sapien a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Sapien.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Manager at Sapien, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Sapien a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Sapien specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sapien
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Sapien, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Sapien want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
