Engineering & Facilities Manager
Stafford
Salary – upto £76,000 depending on experience, 39 hours per week, flexibility supporting a 24/7 site.
At Pets at Home, our aim is to give the nation’s pets what they need to be at their ball-chasing, tail-wagging best. Because we will not rest until every spaniel has a squeezy toy. Every calico has a cat tree. Every rabbit has a run.
To support this mission, we are looking for an experienced Engineering & Facilities Manager to join our Logistics & Distribution team at our highly automated distribution centre. This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for engineering reliability, facilities compliance and continuous improvement across a complex, fast-paced operation.
The Role
This is more than an engineering management role – it’s a senior leadership position with accountability for automation performance, facilities infrastructure and people development.
You will lead the engineering and facilities function, ensuring automation systems, building infrastructure and utilities operate safely, reliably and efficiently. You’ll drive high equipment uptime, maintain full compliance with health, safety and environmental standards, and deliver continuous improvement across reliability, efficiency and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
1. Oversee maintenance of automated material handling systems, including conveyors, sorters, robotics and AS/RS
2. Develop and implement effective preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
3. Lead breakdown response to minimise downtime and operational disruption
4. Ensure compliance with OEM standards and maintain accurate maintenance documentation
5. Manage building infrastructure, HVAC, electrical systems and utilities
6. Oversee contractors and service providers for facilities maintenance and projects
7. Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including fire safety and environmental regulations
8. Lead, motivate and develop a team of multi-skilled engineers and technicians
9. Recruit, train and upskill staff to maintain high technical capability and engagement
10. Foster a strong safety culture and collaborative working environment
11. Prepare and manage engineering and facilities budgets
12. Optimise spare parts inventory and procurement strategies
13. Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives without compromising reliability or safety
14. Drive automation upgrades and engineering improvement projects
15. Use data and performance metrics to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency
16. Balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership and problem-solving
What We’re Looking For
Essential
17. Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation or similar), or equivalent practical experience
18. Proven experience managing engineering teams within automated or high-volume distribution environments
19. Strong knowledge of PLCs, robotics and automated material handling systems
20. Facilities management experience, including compliance with building regulations
21. Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
22. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
23. Experience managing distributed or cross-functional teams
24. Ability to combine strategic planning with hands-on operational delivery
Desirable
25. Experience leading large-scale automation upgrades or capital projects
26. Professional engineering memberships or additional technical certifications
27. Experience within the retail and/or pet care sector
What You Will Get in Return
28. Attractive rates of pay
29. Annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing after 2 years’ continuous service
30. An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
31. Stakeholder pension plan
32. Personal health insurance scheme (if enrolled in the pension scheme)
33. Life assurance
34. 20% Pets at Home discount after 12 weeks’ service
35. Pets’ “Treats” voluntary benefits package
36. Annual bonus (dependent on performance)
37. Share scheme
“We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!”