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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