Engineering and Facilities Manager

Pets at Home; Stafford; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet care company in Stafford seeks an experienced Engineering & Facilities Manager to oversee automation systems and team development. You will ensure compliance with safety standards, manage building infrastructure, and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering and proven experience in automated distribution. This role offers a competitive salary and attractive benefits including a pension plan and Pets at Home discount.

Benefits

Annual leave increasing with service

Stakeholder pension plan

20% Pets at Home discount

Annual bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing engineering teams within automated environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs and robotics.
• Facilities management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of automated systems.
• Manage building infrastructure and utilities.
• Lead and develop engineering teams.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving capability

Knowledge of PLCs

Facilities management knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation)

Tools

Automated material handling systems

Job description

Engineering & Facilities Manager

Stafford

Salary – upto £76,000 depending on experience, 39 hours per week, flexibility supporting a 24/7 site.

At Pets at Home, our aim is to give the nation’s pets what they need to be at their ball-chasing, tail-wagging best. Because we will not rest until every spaniel has a squeezy toy. Every calico has a cat tree. Every rabbit has a run.

To support this mission, we are looking for an experienced Engineering & Facilities Manager to join our Logistics & Distribution team at our highly automated distribution centre. This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for engineering reliability, facilities compliance and continuous improvement across a complex, fast-paced operation.

The Role

This is more than an engineering management role – it’s a senior leadership position with accountability for automation performance, facilities infrastructure and people development.

You will lead the engineering and facilities function, ensuring automation systems, building infrastructure and utilities operate safely, reliably and efficiently. You’ll drive high equipment uptime, maintain full compliance with health, safety and environmental standards, and deliver continuous improvement across reliability, efficiency and cost control.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of automated material handling systems, including conveyors, sorters, robotics and AS/RS
• Develop and implement effective preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Lead breakdown response to minimise downtime and operational disruption
• Ensure compliance with OEM standards and maintain accurate maintenance documentation

• Manage building infrastructure, HVAC, electrical systems and utilities
• Oversee contractors and service providers for facilities maintenance and projects
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including fire safety and environmental regulations

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of multi‑skilled engineers and technicians
• Recruit, train and upskill staff to maintain high technical capability and engagement
• Foster a strong safety culture and collaborative working environment

• Prepare and manage engineering and facilities budgets
• Optimise spare parts inventory and procurement strategies
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving initiatives without compromising reliability or safety

• Drive automation upgrades and engineering improvement projects
• Use data and performance metrics to improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency
• Balance strategic planning with hands‑on leadership and problem‑solving

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation or similar), or equivalent practical experience
• Proven experience managing engineering teams within automated or high‑volume distribution environments
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, robotics and automated material handling systems
• Facilities management experience, including compliance with building regulations
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Experience managing distributed or cross‑functional teams
• Ability to combine strategic planning with hands‑on operational delivery

Desirable

• Experience leading large‑scale automation upgrades or capital projects
• Professional engineering memberships or additional technical certifications
• Experience within the retail and/or pet care sector

What You Will Get in Return

• Attractive rates of pay
• Annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing after 2 years’ continuous service
• An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
• Stakeholder pension plan
• Personal health insurance scheme (if enrolled in the pension scheme)
• Life assurance
• 20% Pets at Home discount after 12 weeks’ service
• Pets’ “Treats” voluntary benefits package
• Annual bonus (dependent on performance)
• Share scheme

Click here to read our Values & Behaviours
Click here for more details on our benefits

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!