Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager
Location: Wellingborough
Hours: 08:00–16:30, Monday–Friday (on‑call requirement)
Salary: £32,000–£40,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a specialised manufacturer in Wellingborough who are looking for an experienced, hands‑on Engineering Manager to take full ownership of the machine assets, maintenance, performance, and reliability of all machinery across the site.

The Engineering Manager will lead all engineering and maintenance activity across the facility, ensuring machines operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The role has responsibility for asset management, preventative maintenance, spare parts availability, and day‑to‑day fault resolution.

This is a practical, shop‑floor‑based position requiring strong mechanical, electrical, and software‑driven machinery expertise.

The role includes line management responsibility for one on‑site Engineer, the individual will report directly into the Managing Director.

Duties:

Manage the full lifecycle of all machinery and engineering assets on site.
Lead, plan, and deliver the Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Programme.
Maintain accurate documentation of service history, inspections, improvements, and asset condition.
Perform hands‑on maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs across a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and software‑based equipment.
Line-manage the site Engineer, providing guidance, workload scheduling, and technical support.
Ensure high standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency across engineering activities.
Maintain a well‑organised spare parts inventory.
Ensure all essential components are available to minimise downtime.
Work with suppliers to source critical parts and maintain cost control.
Develop a deep understanding of all machinery including:
Mechanical systems
Electrical systems
Software and controls (many machines are software‑led)
Provide rapid breakdown response and troubleshooting.
Support operational teams in ensuring machines run at optimum performance.
Operate as a site key holder, including on‑call responsibilities for emergencies.
Ensure health & safety standards, engineering best practice, and statutory compliance are always met.
Complete risk assessments, and safety checks where required.
Report directly to the Managing Director with clear updates on asset condition, downtime, engineering KPIs, and improvement opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across production and operations.The Candidate:

Strong mechanical and electrical maintenance experience.
Proven experience working with software‑driven machinery or CNC‑type equipment.
Ability to diagnose and fix machine faults quickly and safely.
Experience managing maintenance schedules or PPM programmes.
Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to manage and motivate.
Comfortable working on the tools in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Good communication skills and the ability to liaise with senior leadership.
Experience in manufacturing, fabrication, joinery, or similar industrial environments.
Experience improving maintenance processes or introducing new systems.
Knowledge of stock control or spare parts management