About the Company
W Talent Engineering is partnering with Arbor Forest Products, one of the UK's largest independent timber importers and processors, operating from a highly advanced 90‑acre manufacturing and distribution site to find an Engineering Manager.
With over 70 years of sustained growth, Arbor has built its success on a people-first culture, combining the feel of a close-knit family business with the scale and capability of a major industrial operation. The business continues to invest heavily in technology, innovation, and sustainability, positioning itself at the forefront of the timber industry.
At the heart of Arbor's success are its core values: Ambition, Family, Care, and Quality, a culture where people are empowered to grow, challenge the status quo, and deliver excellence for customers every day.
The Opportunity
This is more than a traditional Engineering Manager role, this is an opportunity to lead, shape, and transform the engineering function within a highly invested, forward-thinking manufacturing environment.
You will take full ownership of the engineering department, driving a clear vision that moves the site towards a proactive, reliability-led, and continuous improvement-focused culture. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on making a tangible impact, leading change, developing people, and embedding best-in-class engineering standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop the engineering function, creating a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture
* Define and deliver the site engineering strategy aligned to business growth and investment plans
* Drive a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance through planned and predictive methodologies
* Champion continuous improvement, challenging current practices and embedding sustainable change
* Take ownership of asset reliability, performance, and engineering standards across the site
* Build strong cross-functional relationships to support operational excellence and production performance
* Use data and KPIs to identify trends, drive decision-making, and deliver measurable improvements
* Promote and lead a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across engineering
* Manage budgets, resources, and external partners to maximise value and efficiency
* Develop future engineering capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning
About You
* HNC/HND or Degree in an Engineering discipline (ideally apprentice trained)
* Electrical or a strong multi-skilled knowledge bias is the preferred technical skill set but not essential
* Proven experience in leading an engineering or maintenance function within a manufacturing environment
* A strong leader who can inspire, engage, and develop diverse teams
* Experience driving cultural change and implementing proactive maintenance strategies
* Proven track record in delivering CAPEX projects is required
* Strong understanding of health & safety and operational best practices
* Data-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
* Excellent communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
* Resilient, forward-thinking, and passionate about making a difference
Why Join Arbor Forest Products?
* Be part of a business that genuinely puts people at the heart of everything it does
* The role comes with a competitive salary
* Work in one of the most technologically advanced timber operations in the UK
* Join a company with a strong track record of investment, innovation, and sustainability
* Play a key leadership role where you can shape the future of engineering on site
* Grow your career within a supportive, ambitious, and values-driven organisation
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