At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering strategy for a new greenfield rPET facility and ensure world-class maintenance.
- Company: Join a pioneering team in a cutting-edge recycling facility focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape a major UK circular-economy project.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on operations and team development.
- Why this job: Be part of a revolutionary project that transforms waste into valuable resources.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering management and plant commissioning, preferably in manufacturing or recycling.
This is not a typical Engineering Manager role. You will join the founding leadership team of a brand-new greenfield food-grade rPET facility in Ellesmere Port. The plant will process up to 35,000 tonnes of post-consumer PET bottles and trays every year, turning them into high-quality food-grade rPET pellets. Hot commissioning is scheduled for November/December 2026, with full capacity aimed for the start of 2027. We want you to be a part of this.
All equipment is new. You will design, implement and own the full engineering and reliability strategy from day one - taking the plant safely through commissioning into world-class planned maintenance performance.
What you'll be doing as Engineering Manager:
- Founding leadership seat with direct access to senior decision-makers
- Own the complete transition from construction to stable operations
- Build a true planned-maintenance culture (target 80-85% planned / 15-20% unplanned) using RCM and TPM principles
- Permanent senior standalone role - strategy, systems, continuous improvement and build/hire your team around your needs for the plant.
- Genuine opportunity with the senior management team, to shape how a major UK circular-economy facility operates for years to come
- You will lead the Engineering & Reliability function through hot commissioning and into reliable full-capacity operation while establishing a world-class planned maintenance system.
Hot Commissioning, Start-up & Early Operations:
- Lead and coordinate hot commissioning of all new plant equipment (Nov/Dec 2026)
- Support partial operation and ramp-up to full capacity (early-mid 2027)
- Establish commissioning procedures, punch-list management, as-built documentation and operator training support
- Act as Site Custodian for the Permit to Work system and implement rigorous Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) across all four shifts
Planned Preventive Maintenance, RCM & TPM:
- Design and implement a comprehensive PPM programme across all assets and shifts
- Apply Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) to prioritise critical assets and select the right strategy for each
- Embed Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles, including operator autonomous maintenance
- Drive and measure a high planned-to-unplanned work ratio (world-class target 80-85% planned)
Reliability, Systems & Continuous Improvement:
- Select, configure and embed a CMMS supporting work planning, scheduling, history, spares and reporting
- Develop and use key reliability KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, planned vs unplanned ratio, schedule compliance, backlog health)
- Lead root-cause analysis and ensure corrective/preventive actions stick
- Manage stores, critical spares strategy and OEM/vendor relationships
- Ensure full compliance with statutory inspections, pressure systems, LOLER, PUWER and UK H&S legislation
People, Leadership & Culture:
- Build and develop a lean engineering team that will grow with the operation
- Create a culture of ownership, competence and continuous improvement
- Work closely with Operations so maintenance is planned around production needs
- Be a visible, hands-on leader during the critical start-up phase
What we're looking for in an Engineering Manager:
- Significant experience as Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager or senior Engineering Lead in manufacturing, process or industrial environments (continuous process, plastics, recycling or similar preferred)
- Hands-on experience of plant commissioning, start-up or major equipment handover (ideally hot commissioning of new process plant)
- Proven track record of leading planned preventive maintenance programmes and achieving a high planned-to-unplanned ratio
- Demonstrable experience managing Permit to Work systems, contractor safety coordination and LOTO in heavy manufacturing
- Practical experience of RCM and/or TPM, including operator autonomous maintenance
- Strong understanding of CMMS systems, work planning & scheduling, spares management and reliability KPIs
To apply for this role, please click apply online and upload an updated copy of your CV.
Locations
Engineering Manager in Cheshire, Warrington employer: TEAM
Join a dynamic team in Manchester where your expertise as a Facilities Supervisor will be valued and rewarded. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering continuous training and development opportunities. With a focus on maintaining a safe and clean environment, you will play a crucial role in enhancing workplace services while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like TEAM, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to TEAM specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at TEAM
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with TEAM, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like TEAM value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
