Interim Project Engineer

The Interim Project Engineer will play a critical role in delivering engineering, capital, and improvement projects that support safe, efficient, and reliable food manufacturing operations. The role is based in Gateshead and requires a hands‑on approach to ensure project goals are achieved effectively and efficiently.

Client Details

The employer is a well‑established organisation in the food manufacturing FMCG industry, with operations globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead end to end planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects (capex & opex) within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Develop project scopes, feasibility studies, business cases, and ROI calculations.
• Create and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including risk assessments, drawings, change controls, and commissioning reports.
• Develop engineering specifications, layouts, P&IDs, and equipment selection aligned with hygiene and food safety requirements.
• Oversee installation, integration, and validation of new equipment, process lines, utilities, and automation systems.
• Ensure engineering work complies with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRCGS), as well as relevant legislation (H&S, machinery directive, environmental).
• Manage commissioning and performance testing to verify functionality and compliance.
• Identify and deliver improvements in process efficiency, energy usage, reliability, and product quality.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to support operational teams.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with H&S legislation, PUWER, LOLER, ATEX, and site safety standards.
• Develop and maintain project‑related risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
• Embed hygienic design principles into all project work.
• Act as the project engineering contact with production, technical, maintenance, quality, and external partners.
• Manage contractor performance, inductions, site access, and compliance with contractor control processes.
• Provide clear technical communication to all stakeholders, adapting detail to audience as needed.
• Prepare capex proposals, secure approvals, and track spend accurately.
• Source equipment and services, obtain competitive quotations, and manage vendor relationships.
• Negotiate contracts, warranties, service agreements, and technical support terms.

Qualifications

A successful Interim Project Engineer should have:

• Degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (or related discipline).
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, production equipment, utilities, and hygienic design.
• Proven track record delivering multiple engineering projects in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, including strong planning, scheduling, risk management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Capex/budget management and commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication with the ability to influence across functions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and engineering curiosity.
• Resilience and adaptability in a highly dynamic production environment.
• Collaborative team player able to drive change positively.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Experience with

• Process design, line integration, and equipment installation.
• Control systems/automation (PLC, SCADA, instrumentation).
• Utilities: steam, compressed air, refrigeration, effluent, HVAC.
• CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and project management tools.
• Understanding of food safety frameworks: HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, TACCP/VACCP.

Familiarity with

• H&S legislation (HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR).
• Machinery safety directives & CE/UKCA marking.
• Environmental compliance and waste/energy management.
• Ability to produce safe work systems, RAMS, and project safety plans.

Job Offer

• Competitive daily rate of £400‑£550, depending on experience and IR35 status.
• Opportunity to work on a broad range of impactful projects in the FMCG industry.
• Immediate start, 3‑6 month contract.
• Site‑based role in Gateshead.

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