At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Valeo Foods UK, home to beloved food brands and a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape the future of food.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in a well-established company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while leading a talented team in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven senior engineering experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Company Description
At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner.
From Kettle's bold crunch to Rowse's natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.
Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK's largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.
As a business, we're on a journey of transformation.
We're strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people.
It's an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.
Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain's most loved brands.
Job Description
- Engineering Manager
- Gateshead
About the Role
At Valeo Foods, we're looking for an experienced and driven Engineering Manager to lead our engineering function at our Gateshead site.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll be responsible for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing operation while developing a high-performing engineering team.
As Engineering Manager, you will shape and deliver the site's engineering strategy, driving operational excellence, asset reliability, safety, and compliance.
Working closely with operational and cross-functional teams, you'll play a key role in supporting business performance, enhancing productivity, and delivering strategic improvement projects.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Engineering & Maintenance Leadership
- Develop and implement a robust engineering and maintenance strategy aligned to site and business objectives.
- Lead preventative and predictive maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
- Ensure engineering resources are utilised effectively to support operational performance and customer requirements.
- Review and optimise asset management plans to improve equipment performance and longevity.
- Safety, Compliance & Quality
- Champion a strong safety culture across the engineering function, ensuring full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and food safety standards.
- Conduct and review risk assessments, safe systems of work, and contractor management processes.
- Ensure all engineering activities meet regulatory and internal compliance requirements.
- Investigate and resolve equipment-related quality issues, supporting continuous improvement in product quality and operational standards.
- Continuous Improvement & Project Delivery
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance across the site.
- Lead engineering improvement initiatives and capital investment projects from concept through to delivery.
- Manage both Cap Ex and Op Ex budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed specifications.
- Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the engineering team.
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage the engineering budget, ensuring effective control of labour, maintenance spend, spare parts, and contractor costs.
- Deliver value-driven procurement decisions while balancing operational requirements and long-term asset performance.
- Monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a skilled engineering team, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, and high performance.
- Set clear objectives and performance expectations aligned with site priorities.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and development planning.
- Support succession planning and talent development to build future engineering capability.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior engineering role , ideally within food manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering
- Experience of leading site services (effluent, allergen and hazards)
- Experience managing maintenance strategies and project planning
- A track record of leading teams, driving performance, and managing change
- Experience in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment
- Capital project management experience
- Familiarity with project management software
- Additional Information
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
You'll have the autonomy to shape engineering strategy, lead meaningful improvements, and develop a talented team while contributing to the continued success of a well-established food manufacturing business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Engineering Manager in Gateshead employer: Valeo Foods Group
At Valeo, we prioritise sustainability as a fundamental aspect of our operations, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about driving meaningful change. Located in Holborn, London, our hybrid work model fosters a collaborative environment while offering opportunities for international travel, ensuring that employees can engage with diverse teams and initiatives. We are committed to employee growth, providing a platform for you to lead impactful projects that contribute to our climate agenda and align with your professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager in Gateshead
✨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 Valeo Foods Group, 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 Gateshead
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 Valeo Foods Group 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 Valeo Foods Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Valeo Foods Group, 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 Valeo Foods Group 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.
