Engineering Manager

About Esterform Packaging

Esterform Packaging plays a crucial role in the circular economy by converting recycled plastics into premium food-grade packaging. As part of the Biffa Group, Esterform combines innovation in engineering, manufacturing excellence, and sustainability to supply products used by major brands throughout the UK.

Role Overview

We seek an Engineering Manager to oversee the engineering and maintenance functions at our Seaham manufacturing site. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, you will ensure safe, compliant, dependable, and cost-efficient operation of all plant equipment and infrastructure.

This leadership position involves responsibility for engineering strategy, maintenance effectiveness, asset dependability, compliance, contractor oversight, and capital project execution. You will also lead and nurture the engineering team while promoting continuous advancements in safety, operational results, and maintenance efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering department to maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace.
• Design and implement maintenance strategies that improve asset reliability and optimize operations.
• Guide, mentor, and develop the engineering team to enhance skills and engagement.
• Oversee maintenance planning, work management systems, and contractor activities.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and drive engineering improvements and capital projects.
• Manage engineering budgets, control maintenance expenditures, manage stores, and support asset lifecycle operations.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has demonstrated leadership in managing maintenance, engineering, or technical teams within manufacturing, production, process industries, utilities, military, or comparable complex operational settings. You thrive in leading people, managing risks, enhancing performance, and ensuring safe, reliable operations through strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Multi-Skilled Engineering, or equivalent training with relevant experience.
• Proven leadership of engineering, maintenance, or technical teams in operational contexts.
• Experience in planning and coordinating maintenance, engineering activities, or asset management programs.
• Ability to manage safety, compliance, and engineering risk effectively.
• Competence in contractor management, resource allocation, and budgeting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.

Desirable Skills and Credentials

• Experience in manufacturing, production, process, packaging, FMCG, utilities, or military engineering settings.
• Expertise in developing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Familiarity with CMMS or work management systems.
• Experience delivering engineering improvement or capital projects.
• Higher education such as HNC, HND, or Degree in engineering.
• Qualification such as IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
• Professional registrations like EngTech, IEng, or CEng, or eagerness to achieve such registrations.

Why Work With Us?

Joining Biffa means becoming part of an organization dedicated to revolutionizing resource management in the UK. You will lead a pivotal function in a dynamic manufacturing environment, boost site performance, develop engineering talent, and contribute to sustainability goals.

We provide a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, pension plans, life assurance, a comprehensive benefits package, and continuous professional development and career growth prospects.

Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace diversity as fundamental to our culture. We believe varied ideas, perspectives, and experiences foster a workplace where everyone can succeed. We are committed to building diverse teams reflective of the communities we serve and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.