Copernus Fresh Fish
Engineering Manager
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We are currently looking for Production Engineering Manager to join one of the UK's leading family-owned seafood businesses.
Our work environment includes:
- Growth opportunities
- Lively atmosphere
- On-the-job training
- A range of benefits, including a Christmas bonus, and enhanced pay rates for skilled employees.
We are the largest independent supplier of skin-packed and bulk fish to large multiples, wholesalers, and the food service sector. Copernus is a 220+ strong family-run business, who recognize our staff are pivotal to our continued success.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Engineering & Maintenance Manager is responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and compliance of all processing, packaging, refrigeration, and utility equipment. The role supports uninterrupted production, food safety, legal compliance, cost control, and continuous improvement within a food manufacturing environment.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Equipment Reliability & Uptime
- Ensure high availability and reliability of all processing and packaging equipment.
- Minimize unplanned breakdowns and emergency repairs.
- Analyse recurring failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
- Provide engineering support during peak and seasonal production periods.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Plan and execute preventive maintenance schedules in line with CMMS requirements.
- Introduce predictive and condition-based maintenance where feasible.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, asset histories, and statutory inspection logs.
- Reduce reactive maintenance through structured planning.
Refrigeration And Utilities
- Maintain continuous and reliable operation of chillers, freezers, cold rooms, and ice machines.
- Prevent temperature deviations that could compromise product quality or safety.
- Optimize energy efficiency of refrigeration, compressed air, and utility systems.
- Maintain backup systems where applicable and emergency response procedures need to be implemented.
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Health, Safety & Legal Compliance
- Ensure all engineering activities comply with UK health and safety legislation.
- Implement and enforce safe systems of work, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding.
- Reduce maintenance-related accidents, near misses, and unsafe acts.
- Ensure contractors comply with site safety rules and permit systems.
Cost Control & Spare Parts Management
- Manage engineering and maintenance budgets effectively.
- Optimize spare parts inventory and reduce obsolete stock.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without increasing operational risk.
- Manage supplier and contractor performance.
Capital Projects & Equipment Upgrades
- Lead installation and commissioning of new equipment and plant upgrades.
- Improve efficiency, automation, capacity, and reliability.
- Ensure new equipment meets hygiene, safety, and performance standards.
- Coordinate projects with Production, QA, and external suppliers.
Team Leadership & Skills Development
- Lead, develop, and motivate the engineering and maintenance team.
- Train technicians in food-grade maintenance and hygiene best practices.
- Develop multi-skilled technicians to support all production lines.
- Implement effective shift cover, call-out, and escalation procedures.
Continuous Improvement & Data Management
- Use maintenance and reliability data to drive performance improvements.
- Maintain CMMS systems effectively and use this for future investments.
- Lead root-cause analysis for major failures and recurring issues.
- Support lean manufacturing and efficiency initiatives.
Sustainability & Environmental Performance
- Reduce energy and water consumption across site operations.
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and permits.
- Improve efficiency of refrigeration, waste, and utility systems.
- Support site sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives.
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Legal, Health & Safety Compliance Responsibilities
The Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring full compliance with relevant UK legislation, including but not limited to:
- Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – ensuring electrical systems are safe, inspected, and maintained
- PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) – ensuring machinery is suitable, guarded, and safely used
- LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) – ensuring lifting equipment is certified, inspected, and used safely
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) – where applicable
- COSHH Regulations – safe handling and storage of chemicals and refrigerants
- Food Safety Act & associated hygiene regulations
- Contractor management, permits to work, risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS)
Shift patterns Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
Experience:
- Engineering Management (3 years +)
Language:
- English
Work authorization:
- United Kingdom
Work Location:
- In person
Job Type:
- Full-time, Permanent
Pay:
- £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
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By submitting your CV to you (through our website or associated recruitment methods) you are agreeing to your personal data being retained in a secure location for up to 6 months to enable us to match and notify you of suitable opportunities. After this period your information will be confidentially destroyed.
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