Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering - Heavy Processing Manufacturing
Permanent, Full Time - Newark, Nottinghamshire

Are you a proven engineering leader ready to take the reins of a complex, high-volume processing operation? This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal senior management role at a progressive and well-invested business supplying into pet food and biofuel industries.

You will join at a key time of growth, with brand new facilities, significant investment, and a clear commitment to driving innovation and efficiency across site. Reporting into the Senior Management Team, you will be the strategic lead for all engineering functions, driving performance, minimising downtime, and ensuring safe, reliable plant operations in a fast-paced environment that runs 24/7.

Salary & Benefits:
42,000 - 50,000 depending on experience
33 days annual leave (increasing with service)
Company pension and sick pay scheme
Life assurance
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Occupational health support
Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential counselling & support)
Retail, restaurant, and gym discounts
Financial wellbeing and education programme
300 "introduce a friend" reward
Free onsite parking

Key responsibilities:
Act as the safety leader for all engineering activity across site, ensuring strict compliance with HSE legislation and company policies
Serve as the technical authority on all plant engineering and maintenance, providing guidance on best practice and problem resolution
Lead, coach, and develop a diverse team of managers and engineers across mechanical, electrical, controls, effluent treatment, facilities, and inventory functions
Oversee shift and day-based engineering teams to ensure maximum plant availability and reliability
Take ownership of engineering budgets, controlling costs while improving plant performance
Drive and deliver continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on preventative maintenance, reliability-centred maintenance, and lean principles
Manage capital expenditure projects, from scoping and planning through to installation, commissioning, and handover
Develop and enforce planned maintenance schedules to reduce unplanned downtime and improve asset lifespan
Introduce and embed new technologies, systems, and automation to modernise processes and increase efficiency
Implement and maintain MRP systems and structured work processes to optimise spare parts, procurement, and cost of ownership
Use process engineering software and data analysis to identify trends, improve throughput, and reduce waste
Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure engineering supports overall site performance targets
Ensure full compliance with environmental standards, audits, and reporting obligations
Provide regular reports and updates to the Senior Management Team, influencing decisions on plant investment and long-term strategy

What you'll need:
Minimum 5 years' leadership experience in high-volume, heavy processing or manufacturing environments
Demonstrable success in leading, motivating, and developing technical teams
Strong technical knowledge of engineering and process plant operations
Solid experience with process engineering systems/software
Commercial acumen and ability to influence wider business strategy
Problem-solving mindset, with resilience to thrive in a fast-paced setting
A full driving licence and access to your own transport due to site location in Newark

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious Engineering Manager or current Head of Engineering to make a real impact at a senior level. You will have autonomy, visibility, and the resources of an organisation that is genuinely investing in its people and plant.

Apply today to take your next step in engineering leadership.

Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.