To lead all aspects of engineering and maintenance work at our Loughborough facility. Ensuring safe maximum reliability of the site equipment and infrastructure at the minimum achievable cost. The position collaborates with key partners to lead strategic CapEx and improvement initiatives whilst actively supporting our continual improvement program using Practical Process Improvement (PPI). The role involves the day-to-day management of the Permit to Work (PTW) system, budget management, root cause analysis, spare parts management, and document control. This position requires a strong leader who can build a high-performance environment through engagement, collaboration, contribution and personal growth.
What will you do?
1. Translate the site vision and strategy into a clear, actionable Engineering roadmap with defined goals and execution plans.
2. Represent the site in interactions with HSE and other compliance authorities concerning site Engineering matters.
3. Confirm that all departmental activities are in line with Company standards for quality management, EHS, external legislation, duty of care, and industry regulations.
4. Lead, empower, mentor, and engage the Engineering team and collaborators to improve uptime and enhance operational performance.
5. Develop, agree upon, and implement formal Engineering policies, standardised processes, and control mechanisms.
6. Ensure full regulatory compliance across regional operations, proactively identifying risks and delivering effective risk mitigation plans.
7. Lead all aspects of maintaining current plant, equipment, and site services; partner with the Production Operations Manager to plan and oversee vital equipment or process upgrades.
8. Mentor and support maintenance teams in conducting detailed failure investigations, delivering root cause countermeasures (RCCM), and encouraging a culture of proactive problem-solving.
9. Provide support on Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) matters, including compliance manual management, and assume responsibilities as needed.
10. Establish and champion a capable, motivated Engineering team through specific recruitment, training, and development, ensuring alignment with company policies and employment laws, including HR processes.
11. Monitor, analyse, and report departmental activities and critical metrics to Site Leadership and interested parties within agreed timelines and formats.
12. Manage departmental budgets, including Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and Capital expenditures, ensuring financial field.
13. Consistently uphold what we value: Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement - while following the Dignity at Work Policy, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
14. Measure and enhance maintenance performance through metrics such as technical reliability, mean time between failure (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), and efficiency of RCCM.
How will you get here?
Preferred Hiring Criteria:
15. Degree or equivalent experience in a science / engineering-based subject or relevant industry with proven ability of successfully leading teams
16. Proven experience in a production facility, including at least 5 years in an Engineering leadership role ideally within a COMAH-compliant solvent distillation or chemical batch manufacturing environment.
17. Skilled in equipment installation, maintenance, and reliability procedures, possessing a strong understanding of current UK legislation, regulations, and industry guidelines.
18. Experienced in operating within a structured corporate environment, demonstrating consistency in following protocols, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
19. Skilled in managing a wide range of personnel matters, with a solid grasp of HR policies, procedures, and employee relations.
20. Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to persuade and involve collaborators at all levels.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
21. Extensive knowledge of equipment installation and maintenance within a complex, multi-disciplinary operational environment.
22. Solid understanding of COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) regulations and compliance requirements for lower-tier sites.
23. Proven experience in both project management and risk management, from planning through to execution and post-implementation review.
24. Strong knowledge of hazardous area classification and associated protection methodologies ( ATEX, DSEAR).
25. Familiarity with fire protection systems and their integration within high-risk industrial environments.
26. Familiarity with equipment validation and verification processes to guarantee regulatory and operational compliance.
27. Practical understanding of lean maintenance principles, including preventive and predictive maintenance, and asset management strategies.