Dairy Site Engineering Manager

Job Description Role: Dairy Site Engineering Manager - DairySalary:Up to 69,000Contract Type:Full Time, PermanentLocation: North WestThe OpportunityFirst Milk is a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative with a strong reputation for quality, sustainability, and innovation. The site operates in a complex, regulated manufacturing environment where engineering plays a critical role in food safety, plant reliability, and operational performance. The Engineering Manager will lead the site engineering function, ensuring people, equipment, and materials are effectively managed to achieve business objectives, while maintaining full compliance with legal regulations and First Milk group and site policies. You will take responsibility for operational performance, cost control, compliance, and the development of a high-performing engineering team.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering Leadership & OperationsPlan, organise, direct, and control all engineering activities across mechanical and electrical disciplinesLead the site engineering team, including the Assistant Engineering Manager and site engineersEnsure optimum use of labour, equipment, materials, and facilitiesMaximise plant efficiency and minimise downtimePlan engineering schedules and monitor performance against estimatesEnsure effective operation of the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) systemMaintain an effective engineering stockholdingPrepare, manage, and deliver small to medium-sized capital projectsRecommend and implement new engineering policies and proceduresCompliance, Food Safety, Health & Safety & EnvironmentEnsure full compliance with all legal regulations and First Milk group and site policiesEnforce food safety, quality, health 'safety, and environmental proceduresVerify engineering procedures and quality control tools are consistently appliedEnsure engineering activities meet customer and product specificationsDevelop and manage controls to minimise environmental impactManage health 'safety risks across engineering operationsTeam Leadership, Training & CultureManage, motivate, and develop the engineering teamSupport and embed a positive, high-performance cultureWork with HR on recruitment, retention, and succession planningProduce and implement annual training and succession plansEnsure all annual Performance and Development Reviews (PDRs) are completed and robustProvide ongoing coaching and skills developmentDeputise as required to ensure continuity of leadershipContinuous Improvement & Cost ControlPromote and support a continuous improvement cultureIntroduce best practice, innovation, and new ideasInitiate cost reduction proposals and make recommendationsMonitor and review results of improvement initiativesPrepare and control the engineering department budgetForecast operating costs and manage budget performanceInterfaces & Stakeholder ManagementWork collaboratively with the Site Leadership TeamEngage with other site teams, business units, and central functionsManage relationships with customers, suppliers, contractors, and external bodiesAbout YouProven experience leading an engineering function within a manufacturing or food production environmentStrong mechanical and electrical engineering expertiseIn-depth knowledge of food safety, health 'safety, and environmental complianceExperience managing PPM systems, budgets, and capital projectsStrong leadership, organisational, and communication skillsAbility to perform effectively in a fast-paced, regulated environmentA calm, professional approach with a commitment to high standardsWhat's on OfferAn opportunity to lead the engineering function at a highly respected, farmer-owned dairy co-operativeFull responsibility for the operational performance, compliance, and development of the engineering teamExposure to capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and site-wide engineering strategyCompetitive salary and benefits packageA supportive and collaborative environment, with opportunities for development and progressionDon't meet every single requirement? At Realise, we are dedicated to helping our clients build diverse, inclusive and authentic workplaces, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we would encourage you to apply anyway! You might just be the candidate we're looking for!Realise HR Ltd is operating as an recruitment agency on behalf of its clients. We may keep your CV on file for the purposes of providing recruitment services and in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found on our website: www.realisehr.co.uk.

Created: 2026-01-17