Job Details

About the Company

W Talent Engineering is partnering with Arbor Forest Products, one of the UKand#39;s largest independent timber importers and processors, operating from a highly advanced 90-acre manufacturing and distribution site to find an Engineering Manager.

With over 70 years of sustained growth, Arbor has built its success on a people-first culture, combining the feel of a close-knit family business with the scale and capability of a major industrial operation. The business continues to invest heavily in technology, innovation, and sustainability, positioning itself at the forefront of the timber industry.

At the heart of Arborand#39;s success are its core values: Ambition, Family, Care, and Quality, a culture where people are empowered to grow, challenge the status quo, and deliver excellence for customers every day.

The Opportunity
This is more than a traditional Engineering Manager role, this is an opportunity to lead, shape, and transform the engineering function within a highly invested, forward-thinking manufacturing environment.

You will take full ownership of the engineering department, driving a clear vision that moves the site towards a proactive, reliability-led, and continuous improvement-focused culture. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on making a tangible impact, leading change, developing people, and embedding best-in-class engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering function, creating a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture
• Define and deliver the site engineering strategy aligned to business growth and investment plans
• Drive a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance through planned and predictive methodologies
• Champion continuous improvement, challenging current practices and embedding sustainable change
• Take ownership of asset reliability, performance, and engineering standards across the site
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to support operational excellence and production performance
• Use data and KPIs to identify trends, drive decision-making, and deliver measurable improvements
• Promote and lead a strong health, safety, and environmental culture across engineering
• Manage budgets, resources, and external partners to maximise value and efficiency
• Develop future engineering capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning

About You

• HNC/HND or Degree in an Engineering discipline (ideally apprentice trained)
• Electrical or a strong multi-skilled knowledge bias is the preferred technical skill set but not essential
• Proven experience in leading an engineering or maintenance function within a manufacturing environment
• A strong leader who can inspire, engage, and develop diverse teams
• Experience driving cultural change and implementing proactive maintenance strategies
• Proven track record in delivering CAPEX projects is required
• Strong understanding of health andamp; safety and operational best practices
• Data-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
• Resilient, forward-thinking, and passionate about making a difference

Why Join Arbor Forest Products?

• Be part of a business that genuinely puts people at the heart of everything it does
• The role comes with a competitive salary
• Work in one of the most technologically advanced timber operations in the UK
• Join a company with a strong track record of investment, innovation, and sustainability
• Play a key leadership role where you can shape the future of engineering on site
• Grow your career within a supportive, ambitious, and values-driven organisation

*all 3rd party CVand#39;s will be forwarded onto W Talent to review and assess