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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering initiatives to enhance factory capabilities and drive automation.
- Company: Fast-growing, values-led food manufacturer with international expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the factory.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming engineering practices in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong electro-mechanical engineering experience in FMCG and leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a committed team and elevate engineering standards for future success.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
I'm working with a fast-growing, values-led food manufacturer that's at a pivotal stage of its factory journey. This is a senior, hands-on engineering leadership role where you'll shape the long-term capability of the site, not just keep the lights on. My client has grown from a challenger brand into a multi-channel food business supplying all the major UK retailers, with international expansion underway across Europe and the US. The factory produces some of the brand's best-known products and is now gearing up for site expansion, increased automation, and more technically complex machinery. This role sits on the Factory Senior Leadership Team and reports directly into the Factory Lead. It's a genuine opportunity to step in, raise the engineering bar, and build something properly.
Role Overview
This isn’t a “steady-state” maintenance job. You’ll be setting the engineering and maintenance direction for the factory, bringing structure, forward planning and technical depth where it’s needed most. The site has good people, but they need someone to join the dots, prioritise properly, and lead the transition from reactive to proactive engineering.
- Strategic leadership (machinery strategy, capex, site master planning)
- Electro-mechanical depth (PLC, controls, wiring, automation)
- People leadership (developing and growing a small but committed team)
- Projects (layout changes, machinery upgrades, future capacity)
The engineering function will grow, and this role will grow with it.
Requirements:
- Strong electro-mechanical engineering experience in Food Manufacturing or FMCG
- Confidence with PLCs, controls, machine wiring and fault-finding (Allen Bradley experience is a big plus)
- Experience owning or influencing capex, automation and machinery upgrades
- The ability to organise, prioritise and lead, not just fix
- A mindset geared towards growth, structure and continuous improvement
Team & Culture
You’ll inherit a small engineering function with good knowledge on site, but limited structure. One team member is excellent at reactive problem-solving; another needs development and direction. What they lack is someone who can pull it all together, plan properly, and raise standards. If you enjoy turning potential into performance, this will suit you.
Senior Engineering Leader, FMCG Factory Growth & Automation in England employer: The Oval Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineering Leader, FMCG Factory Growth & Automation in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals 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 values. Understand their products and recent developments, especially in automation and engineering. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their growth journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and projects in the past. Highlight your experience with machinery upgrades and how you've driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineering Leader, FMCG Factory Growth & Automation in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to raise the engineering bar and drive growth in the factory.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your strong electro-mechanical engineering background, especially in FMCG or food manufacturing. We’re looking for someone who can bring technical depth and strategic leadership to the table.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, share examples of how you've developed and guided others in previous positions. We value people who can inspire and elevate their teams, so don’t hold back!
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 this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our factory.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your electro-mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around PLCs and automation. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented machinery upgrades or influenced capex decisions. This will show that you’re not just a problem-solver but a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in transitioning from reactive to proactive engineering. Highlight your experience in developing team members and creating structure within an engineering function. This role is about shaping the future, so demonstrate your vision for leadership.
✨Understand the Company’s Journey
Research the company’s growth story and their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their expansion plans. Showing that you understand their challenges and opportunities will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Prepare to answer questions about fault-finding, machine wiring, and your approach to complex machinery. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.