The Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of all plant and utility equipment within the beverage manufacturing facility. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with strong planning, data analysis, and process optimization capabilities. The Engineering Manager will oversee maintenance, machine changeovers, and continuous improvement initiatives, while ensuring compliance with safety, hygiene, and food manufacturing standards. This will be both a hands on and management role. Salary will be discussed based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Lead and coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance for all production, packaging, and utility equipment.

• Ensure boilers, air compressors, and refrigeration systems operate safely and efficiently

• Develop and manage a structured maintenance plan to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and equipment history in the PM system

2. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, line efficiency, and product quality.

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM principles to drive measurable improvements in performance, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with production, quality, and planning teams to optimize process flow and reduce bottlenecks.

3. Machine Changeovers & Setup Efficiency

• Standardize and streamline changeover processes to reduce downtime between product runs.

• Train operators and maintenance personnel on SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) and best-practice changeover procedures.

• Monitor and analyse changeover data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

4. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and support a team of maintenance technicians and tradespeople.

• Plan workloads, assign tasks, and monitor performance to ensure timely completion of work orders and projects.

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Support training and skill development across the engineering and operations teams.

6. Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with company safety policies, HACCP, and food safety requirements.

• Maintain compliance with boiler operation, electrical, and pressure vessel standards.

• Promote safe work practices, risk assessment, and continuous safety improvement initiatives.

7. Computer and Data Systems

• Use the CMMS or equivalent system for scheduling, tracking, and reporting maintenance activities.

• Maintain up-to-date equipment and spare parts databases.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or trade qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of beverage processing, filling, packaging, and utility systems (boilers, refrigeration, air, water).

• Proven experience in maintenance management, process optimization, and troubleshooting.

• Computer literacy essential

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies

• Technical and analytical expertise

• Great with different software

• Leadership and mentoring ability

• Strong organizational and planning skills

• Safety and quality focus

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Effective communication and collaboration

• Proficiency in computer-based systems and data analysis