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.

Client Details

The employer is a well-established organisation in the food manufacturing FMCG industry, with operations globally.

Description

Key responsibilities for this interim Project Engineer role include:

Lead end to end planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects (capex & opex) within scope, budget, and timeline.
Develop project scopes, feasibility studies, business cases, and ROI calculations.
Create and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
Maintain accurate documentation, including risk assessments, drawings, change controls, and commissioning reports.
Develop engineering specifications, layouts, P&IDs, and equipment selection aligned with hygiene and food safety requirements.
Oversee installation, integration, and validation of new equipment, process lines, utilities, and automation systems.
Ensure engineering work complies with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRCGS), as well as relevant legislation (H&S, machinery directive, environmental).
Manage commissioning and performance testing to verify functionality and compliance.
Identify and deliver improvements in process efficiency, energy usage, reliability, and product quality.
Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to support operational teams.
Ensure all engineering activities comply with H&S legislation, PUWER, LOLER, ATEX, and site safety standards.
Develop and maintain project-related risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
Embed hygienic design principles into all project work.
Act as the project engineering contact with production, technical, maintenance, quality, and external partners.
Manage contractor performance, inductions, site access, and compliance with contractor control processes.
Provide clear technical communication to all stakeholders, adapting detail to audience as needed.
Prepare capex proposals, secure approvals, and track spend accurately.
Source equipment and services, obtain competitive quotations, and manage vendor relationships.
Negotiate contracts, warranties, service agreements, and technical support terms.

Profile

A successful Interim Project Engineer should have:

Degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (or related discipline).
Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, production equipment, utilities, and hygienic design.
Experience with:
process design, line integration, and equipment installation
control systems/automation (PLC, SCADA, instrumentation)
utilities: steam, compressed air, refrigeration, effluent, HVAC
CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and project management tools
Understanding of food safety frameworks: HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, TACCP/VACCP.
Proven track record delivering multiple engineering projects in a fast paced manufacturing environment, including strong planning, scheduling, risk management, and organisational skills.
Ability to manage contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.
Capex/budget management and commercial awareness.
Familiarity with:
H&S legislation (HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR)
machinery safety directives & CE/UKCA marking
environmental compliance and waste/energy management
Ability to produce safe work systems, RAMS, and project safety plans.
Excellent communication with the ability to influence across functions.
Strong problem solving skills and engineering curiosity.
Resilience and adaptability in a highly dynamic production environment.
Collaborative team player able to drive change positively.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Job Offer

Competitive daily rate of £400-£550, depending on experience and IR35 status.
Opportunity to work on a broad range of impactful projects in the FMCG industry.
Immediate start, 3-6 month contract
Site based role in Gateshead