Head of Capex / Process Engineering - Food Construction

Head of Process Engineering – Food Construction

Remote based - UK wide travel to clients

This role is ideal for candidates with proven experience as a Head of Process Engineering or Head of Capex in food manufacturing, beverage, or pharmaceutical sectors, seeking to establish a new entity for a food construction company.

Reporting to the Business Director, you will lead and develop the company's process engineering function from inception. You will ensure the successful design, integration, commissioning, and optimisation of process systems within food manufacturing and industrial environments. This role provides technical leadership throughout all project stages, from concept and feasibility to detailed design, installation, commissioning, and operational handover.

This position serves as the company's technical authority for process engineering, ensuring all solutions meet client requirements, food safety standards, regulatory obligations, and operational performance expectations. You will also support business growth, innovation, and profitability.

To apply, you must have a degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent qualifications.

Chartered Engineer status, or progress toward it, is desirable.

A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a process engineering or Capex role, ideally within food manufacturing, beverage, pharmaceutical, or dairy companies, is required. You should have significant experience designing and delivering complex process systems and production facilities, and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (including Process Engineers, Process Design Engineers, Commissioning Engineers, Process CAD/Design Technicians, Specialist Process Contractors, and Consultants). Experience supporting major capital projects from concept to commissioning is essential, as is demonstrable experience managing technical resources, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.

Skills and Competencies required to apply

• Strong leadership and people management capability.

• Excellent operational and project management skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Strong organisational and planning skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.

• High attention to quality, safety, and operational detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management systems.

Professional Certificates desired

• SMSTS (or equivalent management-level H&S qualification).

• CSCS Management Card.

• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH Certificate.

• HACCP Awareness.

• First Aid at Work.

• Food Manufacturing and Hygiene Training (desirable)