Engineering Manager | Food Manufacturing | Colchester | up to £65,000 (DOE) + Benefits
Are you an experienced engineering professional looking for a hands-on leadership role within a food manufacturing environment?
We are currently recruiting for an Engineering Manager to lead and develop a multi-skilled engineering team within a busy ready-to-eat (RTE) production facility in Colchester.
Reporting to the General Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of all plant equipment, while driving continuous improvement across the site. This role requires strong technical expertise in electrical systems, PLCs, and automated production machinery, alongside the leadership skills to motivate and develop a high-performing engineering team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a practical, solutions-focused engineer with a "can-do" mindset who thrives in a fast-moving FMCG environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop a multi-skilled engineering team across factory operations
Oversee planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance to maximise equipment uptime
Diagnose and resolve electrical and PLC-related faults on automated production equipment
Manage and improve the site maintenance system
Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and regulatory standards
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve reliability and reduce downtime
Support engineering projects including equipment installation and commissioning
Manage contractors, suppliers, and spare parts inventory to ensure operational readiness
Work closely with production, quality, H&S, and technical teams to support site performance
About You
Proven leadership or supervisory experience within food manufacturing or FMCG
Strong electrical and automation background, including hands-on PLC fault-finding
Good knowledge of PPM systems and maintenance best practices
Practical problem-solver with a proactive, get-it-done attitude
Strong communication and team development skills
Able to thrive in a busy, high-pressure production environment
Relevant engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree) in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
What's on Offer
Opportunity to lead and shape the engineering function within a growing business
Supportive and cooperative working environment
Ongoing training and professional developmentIf you're ready to step into a hands-on Engineering Manager role where you can lead a skilled team and make a real impact on production performance, apply today to be considered for this Engineering Manager opportunity in Colchester.
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