Interim Project Engineer
1 day ago
Gateshead
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.\n\nClient Details\n\nThe employer is a well-established organisation in the food manufacturing FMCG industry, with operations globally.\n\nDescription\n\nKey responsibilities for this interim Project Engineer role include:\n\nLead end to end planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects (capex & opex) within scope, budget, and timeline.\nDevelop project scopes, feasibility studies, business cases, and ROI calculations.\nCreate and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.\nCoordinate contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.\nMaintain accurate documentation, including risk assessments, drawings, change controls, and commissioning reports.\nDevelop engineering specifications, layouts, P&IDs, and equipment selection aligned with hygiene and food safety requirements.\nOversee installation, integration, and validation of new equipment, process lines, utilities, and automation systems.\nEnsure engineering work complies with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRCGS), as well as relevant legislation (H&S, machinery directive, environmental).\nManage commissioning and performance testing to verify functionality and compliance.\nIdentify and deliver improvements in process efficiency, energy usage, reliability, and product quality.\nLead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to support operational teams.\nEnsure all engineering activities comply with H&S legislation, PUWER, LOLER, ATEX, and site safety standards.\nDevelop and maintain project-related risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.\nEmbed hygienic design principles into all project work.\nAct as the project engineering contact with production, technical, maintenance, quality, and external partners.\nManage contractor performance, inductions, site access, and compliance with contractor control processes.\nProvide clear technical communication to all stakeholders, adapting detail to audience as needed.\nPrepare capex proposals, secure approvals, and track spend accurately.\nSource equipment and services, obtain competitive quotations, and manage vendor relationships.\nNegotiate contracts, warranties, service agreements, and technical support terms. \n\nProfile\n\nA successful Interim Project Engineer should have:\n\nDegree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (or related discipline).\nStrong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, production equipment, utilities, and hygienic design.\nExperience with: \nprocess design, line integration, and equipment installation\ncontrol systems/automation (PLC, SCADA, instrumentation)\nutilities: steam, compressed air, refrigeration, effluent, HVAC\nCAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and project management tools\nUnderstanding of food safety frameworks: HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, TACCP/VACCP.\nProven track record delivering multiple engineering projects in a fast paced manufacturing environment, including strong planning, scheduling, risk management, and organisational skills.\nAbility to manage contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.\nCapex/budget management and commercial awareness.\nFamiliarity with: \nH&S legislation (HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR)\nmachinery safety directives & CE/UKCA marking\nenvironmental compliance and waste/energy management\nAbility to produce safe work systems, RAMS, and project safety plans.\nExcellent communication with the ability to influence across functions.\nStrong problem solving skills and engineering curiosity.\nResilience and adaptability in a highly dynamic production environment.\nCollaborative team player able to drive change positively.\nHigh attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety. \n\nJob Offer\n\nCompetitive daily rate of £400-£550, depending on experience and IR35 status.\nOpportunity to work on a broad range of impactful projects in the FMCG industry.\nImmediate start, 3-6 month contract\nSite based role in Gateshead