Overview:
We are looking for a highly capable Project Engineering Manager to lead the delivery of design-and-build of our new Coldstore Warehouse facility located near Bristol.
This role will oversee the project from concept to completion, develop robust Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) systems, and ensure the engineering aspects within our Warehouse are safe, reliable, and aligned to business objectives.
You will be self motivated and able to work autonomously.
A team player who can collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
You'll have an eye for detail and be able to bring ideas to life within budget and timescale constraints.
This role is based at our Bristol site site and will require regular visits our Trowbridge head office as well as occasional travel across the UK and to Europe.
A company car is provided so a full UK driving licence is essential.
Who we are:
apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.
Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.
Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities:
Project Engineering & Design/Build:
- Lead engineering projects from initial scoping and design through to installation, commissioning, and handover.
- Develop engineering solutions that enhance safety, reliability, efficiency, and capacity.
- Manage contractors, suppliers, and specialist partners to ensure safe and effective project delivery.
- Produce technical drawings, specifications, and project documentation where required.
Engineering Team Leadership:
- Build, manage, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
- Establish clear standards, KPIs, and operating procedures.
- Lead daily engineering meetings to support workload planning and issue resolution.
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM):
- Implement a structured, data‑driven PPM strategy aligned to asset criticality.
- Ensure legal compliance for all equipment and statutory engineering requirements.
- Monitor asset performance and drive reliability improvements.
Operational Excellence:
- Champion a proactive continuous improvement culture.
- Manage engineering budgets, spares, and cost control.
- Ensure all engineering activity meets the highest health & safety and food safety standards.
About you:
Essential:
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Significant engineering experience
- Proven background in design‑and‑build engineering projects
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Experience setting up and managing PPM programmes
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Leadership experience within logistics and distribution
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Strong understanding of engineering best practice and regulatory compliance
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Competent in project planning, budgeting, and contractor management
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Strong communication and influencing skills
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Collaborative and hands‑on leadership style
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Able to find practical solutions to problems
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Safety‑first mindset
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Proactive and calm under pressure
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Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering
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UK driving licence
Desirable:
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Recognised apprenticeship or trade background
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Project management qualification (Prince2/APM)
Company Benefits:
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
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Company car
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33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays
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Option to purchase up to 5 additional days annual leave per year
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Generous discretionary annual bonus scheme
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Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
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Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
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Free parking
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Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
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Access to employee benefits including Perkbox with salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our Values:
As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.
We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.
We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.
We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.
Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
