Project Engineering Manager

Role Overview

Reporting to the Group Project Controller, this role will be responsible for planning and executing the capital portfolio plan for UK Drinks sites. The role will also contribute to forward strategy for the defined sector. Based at a Drinks Site, the individual will support growth ambitions across the UK and overseas, providing flexibility and capitalising on opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the capital portfolio for UK Drinks sites.
• Input into forward strategy for the defined sector.
• Work with site engineering and production teams to manage the implementation of capital projects from initial concept to successful conclusion and sign‑off, including preparation, installation, commissioning, training and performance trials.
• Define project business drivers, objectives and success criteria with the project sponsor and steering team.
• Create budget plans within the post holder’s area of responsibility.
• Manage and motivate engineering teams, ensuring appropriate skills and experience for effective project delivery.
• Conduct technical and equipment benchmarking to maintain competitive edge.
• Develop a culture of ownership for ongoing facility development.
• Take a proactive approach to change and performance improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Group Engineering standards, health & safety and CDM regulations.
• Partner with purchasing to manage procurement and negotiate best value for suppliers and contractors.
• Assist in developing and implementing Group Engineering standards.
• Develop designs, specifications and layout drawings for procurement of process and production equipment.
• Evaluate tender submissions and challenge the status quo to drive continuous improvement.
• Approve capital purchase orders and authorise invoice payments through SAP, maintaining project costs within budget.
• Issue monthly progress reports detailing budget, schedule and performance for live projects.
• Maintain food safety, legality, integrity, authenticity and quality standards.

Dimensions

• Responsible for a number of sites where necessary.
• Capital budget of up to c£10 million, dependent on sector and plans, within an overall budget of c£54 million.
• Review and authorise up to 50 capital papers annually from designated sites.
• Deliver major and strategic capital projects up to £5 million in value across multiple sites within the Princes group.
• Responsible for site project teams, contractors and consultants as required.

Key Relationships

• Responsible to the Group Project Controller for Drinks.
• Work across a number of departments with operational peer groups at Manager level.
• Critical interfaces:
• Site based – Factory General Manager, Chief Engineer/Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Technical/Quality Manager.
• Group based – Legal managers, IT Managers, Finance, Sales and Marketing; Manufacturing Director.

Experience Required

• Graduate or graduate calibre, ideally with a further engineering qualification and hands‑on experience.
• Demonstrable track record of achieving results and managing change.
• Strong operational grounding within a complex, fast‑moving manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with the principles of World Class Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Leadership experience in planning and implementing capital investment in production facilities.
• Excellent understanding of project management systems.
• Experience delivering results against financial targets, service levels and safety standards.
• Proficient in SAP, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Cash Car Allowance
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• 14.5 % Pension – 5 % employee opt‑in / 9.5 % employer
• Flexible Holiday Option – Buy 5 additional days
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Life Assurance Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities

Location

Country: United KingdomLocation: CardiffBusiness Area: OperationsWorkplace Type: Onsite

About Princes

The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. It strives to be an employer of choice, where colleagues are proud to represent the business.

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