Shift Engineering Manager

Shift Engineering Manager

Location: [Preston, Lancs]

Salary: [£55000k to £60000K] + Benefits

Shift Pattern: [4 on 4 off]

Lead. Develop. Deliver.

We’re looking for a Shift Engineering Manager to lead and inspire the engineering team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be at the heart of the operation — driving performance, reducing downtime, and developing a skilled and motivated engineering team.

About the Role:

As Shift Engineering Manager, you’ll take ownership for all engineering activity during your shift, ensuring planned maintenance is completed effectively and breakdowns are resolved quickly to keep production running.

Working closely with production and technical teams, you’ll play a key role in maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and reliability in a 24/7 food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, organise and develop a team of multi-skilled engineers.

Drive a proactive approach to maintenance with a focus on prevention not just reaction.

Respond rapidly to breakdowns to minimise downtime and maintain production targets.

Plan and oversee all preventative maintenance (PPM) activities.

Support and coach engineers to build capability and share best practice.

Promote a strong safety-first culture across the site.

Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and hygiene standards at all times.

Work collaboratively with production and other site teams to deliver operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For:

Proven engineering leadership within a food, FMCG or manufacturing environment.

Strong technical background – ideally multi-skilled (mechanical & electrical).

Experience of leading shift-based engineering teams in a high-speed production setting.

Passion for people development and creating high-performing teams.

Calm under pressure, with a logical and solution-focused approach.

Strong working knowledge of PPM systems and continuous improvement tools.

Relevant Engineering qualifications – Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3, HNC, or equivalent.

Why Join Us?

Well-established food manufacturer with a strong focus on people & development.

Ongoing investment in training & career progression.

Supportive, team-focused environment.

Pension scheme & employee benefits.

Ready for your next challenge?

If you’re an experienced Engineering Team Leader or Shift Engineering Manager looking to take the next step in a fast-moving food manufacturing business, we’d love to hear from you.