Engineering Manager
Location: Essex (commutable from Braintree, Chelmsford, Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford)Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Market 36 Recruitment are currently recruiting for an Engineering Manager on behalf of our client, a specialist chemical manufacturing business based in Essex. This is a key leadership role within a highly regulated production environment, requiring a balance of hands-on engineering knowledge and strong team leadership capability.
Main Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage all engineering activities on site, ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of plant and equipment. The role will support operational performance, reliability, and safety across the business while leading a small engineering team.
Roles & Responsibilities
Lead and manage the site engineering function, ensuring high standards across all maintenance and engineering activities
Ensure plant and equipment operate efficiently to maximise uptime and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Oversee and manage planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules
Ensure all maintenance work is completed and recorded accurately
Support and lead installation, commissioning, and optimisation of new plant and equipment
Work closely with Production and other departments to minimise downtime and improve performance
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations within a chemical/process environment
Monitor engineering KPIs and provide regular performance reporting
Additional Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team
Support project work including equipment specification and risk assessments
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the site
Assist with engineering budgets and cost control
Promote a proactive and preventative maintenance culture
Contribute to wider site and operational strategy
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Proven experience within a chemical, process, or highly regulated manufacturing environment
Strong hands-on engineering background (mechanical or electrical)
Previous experience in a management or team leadership role
Experience managing PPM systems and engineering projects
Strong understanding of health & safety within a process or hazardous environment
Excellent problem-solving and organisational skills
Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
Engineering qualification (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering preferred)
Working Pattern & Benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, full-time
Benefits:
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension (3% employee / 5% employer)
Life insurance (up to 4x salary)
Permanent health insurance (up to 75% salary after qualifying period)
Private medical and travel insurance
Annual performance-related bonus (non-contractual)
1 additional volunteering day per year
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Market 36 Recruitment Ltd cover a range of sectors including Commercial, Industrial, Engineering, HR & Finance and IT. This vacancy is being advertised by Market 36 Recruitment Ltd. We operate as an Employment Business for temporary roles and as an Employment Agency for permanent roles.