www.SugaRich.co.uk

Project and Systems Manager

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Project and Systems Manager to join SugaRich and play a key role in supporting engineering operations across the Group.

This is a varied, hands-on role combining engineering leadership, project management and technical problem-solving. You’ll work across SugaRich sites and customer locations, taking engineering projects from initial concept through to installation and commissioning, while helping improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of our equipment and operations.

It’s an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys having ownership, solving technical challenges and working across multiple sites and projects rather than being based solely in one engineering environment.

The role reports to the National Systems Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group’s off-site engineering function, ensuring operations are safe, efficient, compliant and cost-effective.
• Deliver engineering support across SugaRich sites and customer locations, maintaining equipment reliability and service standards.
• Provide senior technical support where engineering issues exceed local capability or resources.
• Identify engineering risks and improvement opportunities, escalating priorities and recommendations to local management and the Board.
• Lead the delivery of engineering systems for new and existing food manufacturing customers, including preparation of capital expenditure requirements.
• Develop and justify CAPEX and OPEX proposals for replacement equipment, improvements and engineering developments.
• Own engineering projects from concept to completion, covering regulatory and site approvals, budgets, installation, commissioning, training and final sign-off.
• Drive preventative maintenance and planned plant overhauls, improving reliability while controlling costs.
• Lead and develop the engineering team, including day-to-day management, recruitment, development and career planning.
• Manage contractors and subcontractors, ensuring engineering work is delivered safely, professionally and to the required standard.
• Maintain accurate engineering and equipment records, including servicing schedules, breakdown history and asset information.
• Ensure equipment and engineering activity meet all legal, regulatory, health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Provide out-of-hours engineering support as part of the senior management rota.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge through relevant training, professional networks and industry developments.
• Partner with the National Systems Manager and Procurement Director to meet wider Group engineering requirements.
• Control engineering expenditure in line with the Group Delegation of Authority.
• Champion safe working practices, ensuring employees, contractors and others affected by engineering activity are protected from risk.
• Support wider business priorities and undertake other reasonable duties as required by the Board.

What we are looking for

We're looking for someone with a strong engineering background who is comfortable taking ownership of projects and working with people at all levels of the business.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong engineering and technical experience.
• Experience managing or delivering engineering projects.
• Good leadership skills with the ability to support and develop a team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Good numerical and IT skills.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to communicate technical information clearly and present recommendations to stakeholders.
• A calm and practical approach to problem-solving, particularly when working under pressure.
• The confidence to challenge, influence and make recommendations where needed.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to work across different sites and teams.

Skills and experience

• Good spoken and written communication skills
• Good Presentation skills
• Good numerical and IT Skills
• Good leadership and a team player
• Previous engineering experience in the area of compaction and roll-on roll-off equipment is an advantage
• Confidence, tact and a persuasive manner
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Remains calm and focused under pressure

Benefits 

• 25 days, plus bank holidays 
• Company Pension Scheme 
• Health & Wellbeing Programme