Group Engineering Director
Location: Uxbridge (Travel required)
Contract: Permanent
This Senior Leadership role is responsible for driving the strategic direction, planning and execution of all engineering, maintenance, capital projects and process engineering and development across Pilgrim’s Europe. The role ensures the reliability, efficiency and compliance of production assets while championing continuous improvement and ensuring our operations meet strict food safety, quality and regulatory standards.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Develop and execute the long‑term engineering strategy aligned with our values, business growth strategy, sustainability and operational objectives.
* Provide strong leadership to the Engineering function across multiple sites ensuring shared best practices are implemented.
* Oversee the development of Engineering standards, asset care programme and capital planning process.
* Leverage strategic leadership of large projects to ensure delivery on time and within budget.
Team Leadership & Development
* Build, mentor and lead a high‑performing, highly engaged engineering and maintenance function.
* Promote cross‑functional collaboration between Engineering, Operations, Technical, Supply Chain and H&S teams.
* Ensure a consistent, fit‑for‑purpose Engineering structure is in place across all Pilgrim’s Europe sites.
* Deliver talent management across the Engineering function by building succession plans, delivering technical training programmes (including upskilling) and career development pathways.
* Deliver the Engineering Apprenticeship strategy to ensure a pipeline of future talent.
Capital Projects
* Lead/provide strategic direction for capital investments, including feasibility studies, financial justification, design, procurement, installation, commissioning and validation.
* Ensure that projects are delivered effectively through budget management, achieving timelines, management of contractors and compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
* Maximise plant availability; achieving and improving functional targets & performance; overseeing capital expenditure; making operational improvements; and providing related project support.
* Lead/provide strategic leadership for plant expansion initiatives, automation upgrades and capacity building projects.
* Strengthen relationships with Engineering contracting companies & OEM suppliers to ensure cost effectiveness and the best possible support for maintenance activities and equipment failure.
Maintenance & Reliability
* Implement world‑class reliability programs (e.g. TPM, RCM, preventative maintenance) to maximise asset uptime, reduce operational losses and improve performance.
* Ensure delivery of KPI/goal metrics for equipment reliability, resource utilisation, maintenance effectiveness and energy usage.
* Utilisation of advanced maintenance technologies to a predictive mindset.
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
* Ensure all engineering activities meet industry standards and customer requirements (e.g. BRC, GMP, CDM).
* Work collaboratively with Technical and Operations to maintain hygiene requirements, environmental and health and safety standards.
* Ensure appropriate risk assessments are in place and support audit readiness.
Operational Excellence & Innovation
* Champion lean manufacturing, automation and process improvement to drive throughput, reduce waste and improve cost efficiency.
* Identify opportunities for modernisation, including robotics, advanced controls and sustainability technologies.
* Promote a culture of innovation, problem solving and continuous improvement mindset across sites.
Process Development
* Drive the strategy and ensure delivery of Process Development projects to meet operational and business needs.
* Proactively look for new technologies such as packing/processes.
Skills & Knowledge
* 10+ years’ experience in the industry, leading large projects and multi‑site teams.
* Strong leadership in a large, fast‑paced business.
* Experience with lean manufacturing, CI methodologies, and reliability engineering.
* Proven success managing large capital projects, expansions and complex Engineering programmes.
* Demonstrated record of leading change management within an Engineering function focused on driving high‑performing teams.
* Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to work independently with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.
* Challenge mindset and positive outlook on driving change with key stakeholders across multiple functions.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industry
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr