Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer – FMCG Food Manufacturing

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (days & nights)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Sector: Food Manufacturing / FMCG

The Role
We’re supporting a well‑established FMCG food manufacturer in the appointment of a Lead Engineer to support a 24/7 production environment following recent internal progression.
This is a true working Lead Engineer role - around 70% hands‑on engineering and 30% people leadership - with direct line management responsibility for a small team of engineers on shift.
You’ll be the senior engineering presence on shift, responsible for keeping production running safely and efficiently while leading, supporting, and managing your team.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Line management of a small team of multi‑skilled engineers on shift
• Allocation and prioritisation of engineering work during production
• Hands‑on reactive maintenance and breakdown fault‑finding
• Delivery and coordination of planned preventative maintenance (PPM)
• Coaching, mentoring, and day‑to‑day management of engineers
• Liaison with production to minimise downtime and support output
• Ownership of shift handovers and engineering communication
• Ensuring health & safety and food hygiene standards are maintained

 
What We’re Looking For

• Proven line management experience within engineering (this is essential)
• Background in FMCG food manufacturing or similarly fast‑paced environments
• Strong hands‑on electrical and mechanical fault‑finding capability
• Experience working 24/7 shift patterns (days & nights)
• Comfortable leading engineers while remaining technically hands‑on
• Calm, decision‑focused mindset in breakdown and time‑critical situations

 
What’s on Offer

• Permanent, long‑term role within a stable FMCG business
• Clear responsibility and ownership on shift
• Competitive salary aligned to experience
• Opportunity to work in a business that values strong frontline engineering leadership

 
Interested?
If you’re a Lead Engineer or Engineering Team Leader with real line‑management responsibility and a strong FMCG background, we’d like to hear from you.
Apply now or contact w.thomson@chromarecruitment.com for a confidential discussion.