Head of Engineering – Food Manufacturing

About the role

Gafoor, a fast‑growing family‑owned food manufacturer, is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead a multi‑skilled team in its BRC‑accredited Preston facility. This senior position combines hands‑on operational leadership with strategic responsibility for engineering excellence across a high‑throughput meat and poultry processing environment.

Key responsibilities

• Shape and execute a best‑in‑class engineering roadmap, influencing investment and technology integration.
• Drive cultural change by embedding robust preventative and predictive maintenance frameworks.
• Deliver measurable improvements in OEE, downtime reduction, cost control and waste minimisation.
• Manage KPI performance, budgets, contractor relationships and capital‑expenditure programmes.
• Ensure engineering compliance with BRC standards and align capability with ambitious growth plans.
• Participate actively in the senior leadership team, influencing day‑to‑day management and organisational culture.

Required profile

• Proven senior engineering leadership experience within food manufacturing, preferably meat or poultry processing.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost‑effective engineering solutions.
• Ability to operate in a 24/5 manufacturing environment and provide flexible, visible leadership.
• Legal right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available).

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary £70,000‑£80,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Relocation assistance.
• Opportunity to shape engineering strategy at a pivotal growth stage.
• Dynamic, family‑owned business environment.