Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering
Location: North England (role can be based from either the Yorkshire or County Durham site)
Salary: Negotiable, based on experience
Hours: Full-time – flexibility required to support a 24/7 operation

A leading UK manufacturer within the sustainable packaging sector is seeking a hands-on Head of Engineering to oversee and develop the engineering function across two major production facilities.

This is a key leadership position for someone who can balance strategic direction with operational involvement, leading a team of around 15–20 engineers across both electrical and mechanical disciplines.

The Role

• Lead and develop a multi-skilled engineering team across two sites.
• Oversee all maintenance, reliability, and capital project activity.
• Strengthen and deliver the planned preventative maintenance (PPM) strategy.
• Ensure compliance with H&S, environmental, and quality standards.
• Drive root cause analysis to reduce downtime and improve performance.
• Collaborate with production and operations to optimise efficiency and reliability.
• Manage engineering budgets, spares inventory, and third-party contractors.
• Deliver continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Lead the engineering strategy aligned with group sustainability goals.

About You

• Electrically biased engineer with strong mechanical knowledge.
• Experienced leader from a fast-paced manufacturing environment (multi-site experience advantageous).
• Confident in leading and motivating technical teams while remaining hands-on.
• Background in plastic packaging or related processing environments (extrusion, thermoforming, injection moulding).
• Strong communicator, commercially aware, and proactive problem solver.
• Qualified to HNC/HND/Degree level or equivalent in engineering.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, forward-thinking manufacturer backed by a larger group committed to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

You’ll be given autonomy to shape the engineering function, drive long-term improvement, and play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of a key UK manufacturing business.