Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager | Ellesmere Port, CH65 7BF£55,000-£65,000 | Permanent, full-timeJoin the founding leadership team of a brand-new manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port. All equipment is new. Hot commissioning is planned for November/December 2026, with full capacity targeted for early 2027.You will design, implement and own the engineering and reliability strategy from day one — taking the site safely through commissioning into stable, planned-maintenance operation. The asset base runs from heavy engineering (conveyors, granulators and similar plant) through to process automation (Profibus, SCADA) and everything in between.The roleYou will lead Engineering & Reliability through start-up and into full operation, with a clear brief to build a planned-maintenance culture (target 80-85% planned / 15-20% unplanned) using RCM and TPM.Commissioning and start-upLead and coordinate hot commissioning of all new plant equipment (Nov/Dec 2026)Support ramp-up to full capacity through early-mid 2027Establish commissioning procedures, punch-list control, as-built documentation and operator training supportAct as Site Custodian for Permit to Work and implement rigorous LOTO across all shiftsPlanned maintenance, RCM and TPMDesign and implement a PPM programme across mechanical, electrical and automation assetsApply RCM to critical assets and select the right maintenance strategy for eachEmbed TPM, including operator autonomous maintenanceDrive and measure a high planned-to-unplanned work ratioReliability, systems and improvementSelect, configure and embed a CMMS for planning, scheduling, history, spares and reportingOwn reliability KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, planned vs unplanned, schedule compliance, backlog health)Lead root-cause analysis and make corrective actions stickManage stores, critical spares and OEM/vendor relationshipsEnsure compliance with statutory inspections, pressure systems, LOLER, PUWER and UK health and safety lawLeadershipBuild and develop a lean engineering team that grows with the plantWork closely with Operations so maintenance is planned around productionBe a visible, hands-on leader through the start-up phaseWhat you will needSignificant experience as Engineering Manager, Maintenance Manager or senior Engineering Lead in manufacturing, process or industrial environmentsBreadth across heavy engineering (conveyors, granulators and similar) and process automation (Profibus, SCADA)Hands-on plant commissioning, start-up or major equipment handover (hot commissioning of new process plant ideal)Proven delivery of planned preventive maintenance and a high planned-to-unplanned ratioExperience managing Permit to Work, contractor safety and LOTO in heavy manufacturingPractical RCM and/or TPM experience, including operator autonomous maintenanceStrong CMMS, work planning, spares management and reliability KPI capability

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