At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering team to keep production lines running smoothly and efficiently.
- Company: Join a dynamic food factory where engineering plays a crucial role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift pattern of 4 on 4 off, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Shift work with challenges that require calmness and quick thinking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering experience in food or FMCG and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 56000 £ per year.
- Lead Engineer
- Lincolnshire (North)
Let’s be honest about what this job is.
It’s a food factory. Machines run all day and sometimes they stop when they shouldn’t. When that happens, everyone looks at you.
That’s the job. If that sounds like a nightmare, fair enough, there are plenty of other adverts. If it sounds like your idea of a good time, keep reading.
What you’ll actually be doing
You’ll lead the engineering team at our Scunthorpe site.
You’ll keep production lines running, fix things properly rather than patching them up, and work out why they broke so they don’t break again (RCA).
- What a shift looks like
- You get the handover from the Production Area Manager, find out what’s actually going on, and pass it on to your technicians and operators.
- You sit in the shift production meeting and say something useful.
- You pick out the top issues on the lines, agree a plan with the Area Managers, and make sure the spares are there before you need them.
- You look at what the plan says about assets coming free for PM and remedial work, and make sure your team is ready to use the window.
- You run the contractors: permits to work, RAMS that are actually good enough, and every permit closed out before you go home.
- You get stuck in. You lead from the front, not from the office.
- You log everything on the CMMS, as you go. Not on Friday from memory.
- You manage breaks around what production needs, so the lines run well and your team still gets a proper rest.
- At the end of the shift, you and the Area Managers account for all the lost time, and you give the next Team Leader a handover they can use.
- The stuff that’s not negotiable
- Food safety, hygiene and GMP. Your team follows them, and you make sure of it.
- All CCPs are complied with.
- Risk assessments are done before any non-routine job starts, not after.
- Everyone who works on site goes home safe.
- Root cause analysis on every major stoppage, segregation and seam defect. Not “we reset it and it went away.”
- And the people bit
You’ll train and develop apprentices, and you’ll look after the people who report to you: training needs, development plans, appraisals and PDRs done on time.
You’ll also keep a grip on absence.
A good engineering leader looks after the team as well as the machines.
- Who we’re after
- Proven engineering experience in food, FMCG or similar fast-paced manufacturing
- Credible on mechanical and electrical faults, or at least honest about which side you lean towards
- Experience leading a shift team and a reputation for getting the best out of them
- Confident with permits, RAMS and contractor control
- Someone who can be calm and clear at 3am when a line goes down
- Qualifications matter, but we’ll take a proven engineer with a patchy CV over a polished one with no stories.
- The honest bit
It’s shift work. Things go wrong at inconvenient times.
You’re responsible for the Engineering team on your shift.
Some of the equipment is new and some of it isn’t. You’ll look after both.
- What you get
- A real opportunity to make an impact
- A site where engineering matters
- Shift pattern: 4 on 4 off days and nights
Lead Engineer in Scunthorpe employer: The Sterling Choice
Join a forward-thinking food manufacturing company in Warwickshire, where innovation and investment are at the forefront of operations. As a Manufacturing Manager, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that encourages leadership and continuous improvement, offering you the chance to make a real impact on performance and efficiency. With competitive compensation, a bonus structure, and opportunities for professional growth, this role is perfect for those looking to drive change in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer in Scunthorpe
✨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 The Sterling Choice, 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 Lead Engineer in Scunthorpe
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 The Sterling Choice 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 The Sterling Choice
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The Sterling Choice, 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 The Sterling Choice 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.