Location: Durham
Circa Salary: £45k
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Project Manager to lead engineering installations, CapEx projects, NPI activity, and site services across a busy manufacturing environment. If you enjoy owning projects end-to-end, improving plant performance, and leading technical teams, this role gives you real impact from day one.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & CapEx Delivery
• Lead engineering installation projects from concept to commissioning.
• Deliver CapEx projects, including business cases, vendor management, installation, and ROI tracking.
• Support NPI activity by ensuring engineering readiness, utilities, and line capability.
• Build project plans, budgets, risk assessments, and progress reports.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Planning, and H&S to minimise downtime.
Engineering Installations
• Install and occasionally design pipework, valves, utilities, and CIP/ancillary systems.
• Carry out fabrication and welding tasks as required.
• Manage contractors to ensure safe, high-quality installation work.
• Install insulation/lagging and operate MEWP equipment safely.
• Develop engineering solutions to improve reliability and efficiency.
Boiler Monitoring
• Complete and record daily/weekly boiler checks.
• Monitor performance and escalate issues to maintain safe, compliant operation.
Team Leadership
• Lead and support engineering personnel, promoting a strong safety-first culture.
• Coach and mentor team members and apprentices.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, hygiene, and audit readiness.
• Allocate resources effectively to maximise uptime.
Maintenance & Systems
• Ensure all maintenance tasks are logged accurately in the CMMS (UpKeep).
• Support creation of SOPs, work instructions, and Dynamic Risk Assessments.
• Issue out-of-hours permits (hot work, working at height, confined space, etc.).
Materials & Procurement
• Order materials, components, and equipment for projects and maintenance.
• Support procurement planning for CapEx, NPI, and site infrastructure improvements.
• Ensure compliance with H&S, Environmental, Food Safety, HACCP, and BRC standards.
What We’re Looking For
• Strong engineering background with hands-on installation experience.
• Proven project management capability in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Confident leading teams and managing contractors.
• Strong focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Start People are the acting agency for this position
Salary description
£45000.00 - £47000.00 per year