Site Engineering Manager

SITE ENGINEERING MANAGER

Job Title: Site Engineering Manager
Location: Aspatria, Cumbria
Salary: £71,000 (DOE) + £12,500 Relocation Package
Shift: Days (8:00am – 4:00pm)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a forward-thinking and influential Site Engineering Manager to join First Milk Cheese Company, one of the UK’s leading dairy cooperatives, at their flagship Cumbria site.

This is a key leadership role within a highly invested, project-driven manufacturing environment, offering the chance to shape engineering strategy, drive continuous improvement, and lead a well-established engineering team. The business is undergoing significant capital investment (£80m–£100m planned), making this an exciting time to join and make a real impact.

Reporting directly to the Site Director, you will be responsible for managing and developing the site engineering function, ensuring optimal performance of people, plant, and processes, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

• Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering.

• Experience managing engineering teams, including senior engineers.

• Demonstrated ability to drive performance, culture, and continuous improvement.

• Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and engineering performance.

• Engineering qualification (HNC or above).

• Experience with in a fast-paced manufacturing environment (food, dairy, or similar highly regulated industry preferred).

• Strong people management, coaching, and mentoring ability.

• Experience with CAPEX projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Knowledge of compliance, health & safety, and environmental standards.

• Experience with in the dairy or food manufacturing sector.

• NEBOSH qualification (or willingness to develop).

• IOSH qualified.

• Experience in highly regulated industries such as pharma, chemical, or FMCG.

• Lead, manage, and develop the site engineering team including senior engineers, shift engineers, and apprentices.

• Drive a positive engineering culture focused on performance, accountability, and development.

• Manage all engineering activities including maintenance, projects, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee CAPEX projects and support long‑term investment strategy.

• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, environmental, and food safety standards.

• Manage engineering budgets, PPM systems, and asset performance.

• Work closely with senior leadership to deliver site KPIs and operational excellence.

• Working for a well‑established and growing organisation within the dairy sector.

• Significant investment and long‑term project exposure.

• Competitive salary with relocation package available.

• Strong benefits package including bonus, pension, private healthcare, and more.

• Clear opportunity to make a strategic impact and develop further within the business.