Company Overview
Panelto Foods is a privately owned Irish company established in ****, producing a range of high-quality contemporary sandwich breads for the UK and Irish retail and foodservice markets.
Manufacturing is based in Longford from a highly automated, world-class bakery.
As part of our continued growth and development, Panelto Foods is seeking to appoint an Engineering Manager to strengthen engineering leadership on site and support the future direction of the business.
Role Profile
The Engineering Manager will report directly to the Senior Operations & Engineering Manager and will be responsible for the management, direction, and coordination of engineering activities within their defined area of responsibility.
As a key member of the Engineering Management Team, the Engineering Manager will work collaboratively with other engineering leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant.
This role suits a trade-qualified, hands-on engineering leader with strong practical experience, capable of making sound technical decisions on the production floor while also providing structured leadership, planning, and people management within the engineering function.
The role includes the direct management of a team of engineers and external service contractors.
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership of engineering activities within the assigned area to ensure high levels of equipment availability, reliability, and performance
Provide engineering support to ensure production volumes and efficiency targets are consistently achieved
Prepare, manage, and control the engineering budget within the area of responsibility
Own and manage the preventative maintenance (PM) programme for relevant production assets
Ensure PM schedules, maintenance records, and handover sheets are maintained and kept up to date within the CMMS
Lead, manage, and develop engineering staff through coaching, delegation, and regular performance reviews
Ensure all engineering activities are carried out safely, with appropriate risk assessments, SOPs, permit-to-work systems, and training in place
Lead by example in health and safety and actively participate in audits and compliance activities
Manage service contractors, service visits, and service contracts, ensuring work is completed safely and effectively
Maintain accurate engineering records to support Health & Safety, BRC, statutory inspections, and general compliance requirements
Maintain accountability for engineering spares, contracts, and cost control
Communicate effectively with Operations, Quality, and other departments to coordinate work activities and prioritise engineering tasks
Company Culture & Ways of Working
Panelto Foods promotes a strong team-based culture built on safety, respect, accountability, and collaboration.
The Engineering Manager will work as part of a supportive and experienced engineering and operations team and is expected to contribute positively through effective teamwork, open communication, and a practical, solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
Experience & Qualifications
Trade-qualified engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation or similar) with strong, practical, hands-on experience
Third-level qualification in Engineering or Engineering Management is advantageous, but not essential
Proven experience working in a Food or Pharma manufacturing environment (strongly preferred)
Demonstrated experience managing engineers and external engineering service contractors
Strong planning, organisational, and budget management capability
Proven track record in delivering continuous improvement initiatives
Practical experience with Siemens S7 PLCs and fault-finding in automated systems
Experience using computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS)
Strong working knowledge of high-speed packing machinery
Experience delivering energy efficiency or sustainability projects
Working knowledge of TIG welding and stainless-steel fabrication
Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems and steam generation
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and influence across functions
Key Attributes
Hands-on, practical engineering mindset
Strong leadership and people-management capability
Calm, structured decision-making under pressure
High standards for safety, quality, and compliance
Strong ownership, accountability, and results focus
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