Lead Engineer, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineer

GMP Recruitment Agency Limited are proud to be partnered with the UK’s leading independent business who specialise in food industry, located in Stonehouse Gloucestershire

We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Engineer to lead our engineering function and play a key role in driving operational excellence across our manufacturing site.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys developing high-performing teams, delivering engineering strategy, leading capital investment projects, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. You'll be responsible for ensuring our manufacturing assets operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting future business growth.

Working closely with senior leadership, you'll have the autonomy to influence engineering performance, improve reliability, and help shape the long-term direction of the site.

• Lead, inspire, and develop a skilled engineering team, creating a positive, high-performance culture.
• Develop and deliver the site's engineering strategy, ensuring it supports business objectives and future growth.
• Build strong working relationships across the business and provide engineering expertise to senior management.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
• Ensure all plant, equipment, and site services are maintained to maximise reliability and minimise downtime.
• Oversee and continuously improve the planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme.
• Ensure reactive maintenance is delivered efficiently and to agreed service standards.
• Drive improvements in engineering KPIs, including equipment reliability, breakdown reduction, job completion, and maintenance costs.
• Ensure the engineering stores function is effectively managed and supports operational needs.
• Maximise the use of the CMMS (Limble) to plan, record, and analyse engineering activities.

• Ensure full compliance with all engineering legislation, industry standards, and food manufacturing regulations.
• Manage engineering legal compliance across all relevant disciplines, including:
• LOLER
• Electrical Safety
• Pressure Systems
• Boiler & Steam Systems
• DSEAR
• Calibration
• Air Handling Units (AHU)
• Product Valves
• Change Management
• Software Control
• And other engineering compliance requirements as required.

• Develop and manage the site's capital investment strategy.
• Lead CAPEX projects from concept through to successful delivery.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades, automation, and process improvements that support business growth.
• Manage engineering budgets and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Build strong relationships with external contractors and engineering suppliers.
• Negotiate and manage service contracts to ensure value, quality, and reliability.
• Ensure contractors work safely and in line with company standards.

You’ll be an experienced engineering leader with a passion for driving performance and continuous improvement within a food manufacturing environment.

• Minimum of five years' experience leading an engineering department within the food and drink manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes and engineering best practice.
• Experience developing engineering strategies and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven track record of managing engineering compliance and statutory inspections.
• Experience delivering CAPEX projects and managing engineering budgets.
• Strong knowledge of BRC Global Standards and UK food manufacturing legislation.
• Degree qualified in an Engineering discipline.
• Experience with in the dairy or cheese manufacturing sector.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Inspires and develops high-performing engineering teams.
• Is a confident leader with excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on when required.
• Has a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Is highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Has strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.
• Is confident using engineering management systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Has exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to high standards.
• Is flexible, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of an established engineering function and make a genuine impact on business performance. You’ll lead a skilled team, influence strategic decisions, oversee exciting capital projects, and play a key role in driving reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the site.

If you’re an ambitious engineering leader looking for your next challenge within a growing food manufacturing business, we’d love to hear from you.

GMP Recruitment Agency Limited are recruiting for this role on behalf of their client and are acting as an Employment Agency.