Job Specification: Engineering Manager (Food Manufacturing)
Location: Aberdeen
This role oversees the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all equipment and utilities within a small, fast-moving food manufacturing site. Because of the site’s scale, the Engineering Manager will combine hands-on engineering work with day-to-day leadership responsibilities. The successful candidate will guide the engineering function, lead maintenance activity, support continuous improvement initiatives, and provide expert electrical support to maintain production performance and enable future growth.
Key Responsibilities
The Engineering Manager will take responsibility for leading and developing a small engineering team, setting high standards for safety, performance, and quality of work. Daily engineering activities must be planned, coordinated, and prioritised, with the ability to balance practical involvement on the factory floor with essential managerial duties. The role also requires oversight of external contractors, ensuring all visiting engineers work to the correct permits, compliance requirements, and performance expectations.
* A core element of the role is ensuring equipment reliability. This includes managing planned preventative maintenance, responding promptly to mechanical and electrical breakdowns, and maintaining accurate engineering records.
* All work must comply with relevant legislation and strict food-safety requirements.
* The position requires a strong electrical bias. The Engineering Manager will lead fault-finding, repair, and installation work, ensure full compliance with electrical safety standards, and support the introduction of new equipment, control systems, sensors, and automation improvements.
* Routine inspections, testing, and verification of electrical systems will also fall within their remit.
In addition to daily operations, the role involves identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. The Engineering Manager will lead or contribute to capital projects, ensuring that planning, budgeting, and delivery are well managed. Close collaboration with production and quality teams is essential to ensure smooth and consistent site operations.
Because the site is small, a high level of hands-on involvement is expected. The Engineering Manager will frequently support breakdowns, carry out maintenance tasks personally, and maintain a strong presence on the factory floor. The role requires someone comfortable shifting between strategic planning and practical engineering work throughout the working day.