Lead Engineer

Annual salary: Competitive Salary

Lead Engineering Excellence Within a Critical Feed Manufacturing Operation Role Overview

As Lead Engineer, you'll take overall responsibility for the engineering function at our Brydock Feed Mill, ensuring all plant, equipment and infrastructure are maintained safely, efficiently and in compliance with operational, environmental and regulatory standards.

As a key member of the site leadership team, you'll play a vital role in driving reliability, asset performance and continuous improvement across the mill. Combining strategic planning with hands-on engineering leadership, you'll lead maintenance activities, develop engineering capability and help deliver operational excellence across safety, quality, service, cost and people.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering leader looking to make a significant impact within a specialist manufacturing environment.

Key Duties

You will:

• Lead all engineering and maintenance activities across the feed mill, ensuring safe and reliable operations.
• Own and develop the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme to maximise plant performance and asset longevity.
• Manage the site's Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), ensuring accurate planning, scheduling and reporting.
• Use engineering and operational data to identify priorities, improve performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage engineering budgets effectively, delivering value while maintaining high standards.
• Collaborate with operational teams, contractors and wider engineering functions to achieve site objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, environmental and industry standards, including UFAS requirements.
• Lead engineering projects and improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency and sustainability.
• Promote a strong Health, Safety and Environment culture across the site.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to site leadership teams, supporting long-term operational success.
• Develop, coach and support colleagues to build capability, engagement and performance within the engineering function.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader with strong technical expertise, a proactive approach and a passion for operational excellence.

You will have:

• Degree-level education alongside an HNC, or equivalent qualification, in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• NEBOSH Certificate.
• 16th/17th Edition electrical qualification or equivalent.
• Previous engineering leadership experience within FMCG, manufacturing or an industrial processing environment.
• Experience managing maintenance systems, asset reliability and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Strong understanding of engineering compliance, safety standards and audit requirements.
• Experience working with grain handling, processing equipment, pellet presses, grinding systems or similar industrial plant would be highly advantageous.
• Strong financial awareness and experience managing engineering budgets.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience delivering projects, managing competing priorities and driving continuous improvement activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and engineering management systems.
• A structured, results-focused approach with the ability to balance strategic planning and day-to-day operational priorities.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of the engineering function within a specialist feed manufacturing operation that plays an important role in our wider agricultural supply chain.

You'll be part of a collaborative leadership team, influencing site performance, driving improvements and leading a function that is critical to operational success. In return, you'll find opportunities for professional development, career progression and the chance to make a lasting impact within a growing international business.

About Sofina

Sofina Foods is more than just a food company. It’s a place where you can grow your career, learn new skills, and make a positive impact.

With a wide range of meat and seafood products that delight consumers worldwide, Sofina Foods is always looking for talented and passionate people to join its team of over 13,000 employees across 40 sites in Canada and Europe.

At Sofina Foods, you will be part of a culture that values innovation, quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. You will work with diverse and delicious products that are sourced responsibly and sustainably from over 50 different protein sources from 5 continents.

Our vision is to be the most successful food company in the world. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career in the food sector, Sofina Foods is the place for you.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation