Specialist Food Manufacturing Recruitment
ATA Recruitment is a leading food manufacturing recruitment agency with decades of experience supporting the UK's most dynamic and demanding FMCG environments. We’ve built a strong reputation in the food production sector by delivering high-quality permanent and contract candidates who help drive operational success.
Food manufacturing is one of the UK's largest industrial markets. Serving national retailers and food service clients requires exceptional quality, speed, and reliability in operations. Our recruitment experts understand these demands and support businesses in maintaining high OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), meeting compliance standards, and hiring for growth.
Our Approach to Food Manufacturing Recruitment
Our team understands how downtime can impact output and profitability. That’s why we provide fast, accurate recruitment solutions tailored to your operations. Whether you're looking for a permanent team leader or a contract engineer for a peak season ramp-up, we deliver dependable candidates - on time.
We maintain a robust talent pool of engineers, managers, and operational leaders, pre-screened and ready for work across the UK. We offer:
- Contingency recruitment for urgent roles
- Retained search for senior and strategic hires
- Contractor deployment for short- or medium-term projects
OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Permanent Recruitment
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Team Leader
Service Engineer
Controls Engineer
Project Engineer
Project Manager
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Health and Safety Advisor
Production Manager
Production Team Leader
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Contract Recruitment
Maintenance Engineer
Maintenance Team Leader
Controls Engineer
Project Engineer
Project Manager
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Health and Safety Advisor
Production Manager
Production Team Leader
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Interim Recruitment
Maintenance Manager
Engineering Manager
Chief Engineer
Production Manager
Project Manager
Operations Manager
Health and Safety Manager
Plant Manager
Site Director
Engineering Director
Operations Director
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ATA Search
Engineering Manager
Operations Manager
Quality Manager
Production Manager
Plant Manager
General Manager
Engineering Director
Technical Director
Operations Director
Managing Director
Latest Jobs In Food (FMCG)
Maintenance Engineer
£53000 - 54000 per year OT 1.25x, 7% pension, private medical cover, profit-related bonuses, unique rotating shift pattern,
Beaumont Leys
Maintenance Engineer – £53,425 + Overtime – Leicester Shift Pattern: Rotating Days & Nights with Extended Time Off Week 1: Monday–Friday (07:00–19:00) Week 2: Sunday–Thursday (19:00–07:00) Week 3: Full Week Off (10 Days Off) Week 4: Monday–Friday (07:00–19:00) Week 5: Tuesday–Saturday (19:00–07:00) Week 6: Full Week Off (7 Days Off) A well-established food manufacturer in Leicester is seeking a proactive maintenance engineer to support a fast-paced production environment, offering a salary of £53,425 with regular overtime paid at 1.25x, matched 7% pension, private medical cover, profit-related bonuses, and a unique rotating shift pattern that gives up to 17 days off every six weeks. About the Role As a maintenance engineer, you’ll ensure critical machinery is kept running to avoid costly downtime in a high-volume food production environment. The site manufactures up to two million units a day and is continually investing in new lines and engineering improvements. Responsibilities Include: Rapid breakdown response and planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Electrical fault-finding using schematics, multimeters, and diagnostic tools Mechanical repair work including gearboxes, shafts, pneumatics, bearings, and belts Involvement in installations, upgrades, and general engineering support Working closely with team leads to prioritise jobs and complete tasks safely and efficiently Maintaining accurate records and contributing to team improvements What We’re Looking For To succeed as a maintenance engineer in this environment, you’ll need to be comfortable working independently, able to think quickly during breakdowns, and be committed to maintaining high operational standards. Ideal Candidate Will Have: An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in electrical engineering (apprenticeship preferred) Proven experience as a maintenance engineer in a food, FMCG, or manufacturing environment Strong mechanical and electrical skills (ideally 60/40 or 40/60 split) Familiarity with sensors, relays, three-phase motors, and control systems A methodical approach to fault finding and root cause diagnosis A solid work ethic with a flexible attitude and a willingness to support team priorities Why Join? This is a brilliant opportunity for a committed maintenance engineer to step into a role that offers security, variety, and excellent work-life balance. The successful maintenance engineer will work within a skilled team on a well-supported site, gaining exposure to diverse equipment and benefiting from in-house and external development support. If you're a hands-on maintenance engineer looking to take the next step in a well-run, stable operation — this could be the perfect fit. faisal.ahmedy@ata-recruitment.co.uk 07788 365715 ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£45000 - 50000 per year OT and Excellent Training, Private Healthcare
Bristol
Role – Maintenance Engineer Salary – up to £50,000 (+overtime) Location – Bristol / South Gloucestershire Shift Pattern – Various / Panama Shifts Benefits – Good Pension Contribution, Excellent Training, Private Healthcare ATA Engineering is an established national recruitment agency within the Engineering Industry with a strong network of clients and candidates. We are currently recruiting a Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer (Electrically Biased) for an established client within Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The Company A well-recognized and market leading manufacturer who boasts some of the state-of-the-art machinery and automation within their industry. The business offers fantastic training opportunities for their Engineers, with OEMs regularly called to site for detailed training and has good relationships with local colleges where Engineers are sent for Mechanical, Electrical and Health & Safety Training. With significant growth and a healthy growing order book and turnover, they are looking to expand their Maintenance Team and therefore have an opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer who is looking to make an instant impact on a site and contribute to the growth of the business through hard work, commitment and dedication. The Role Your day-to-day responsibilities as a Maintenance Engineer will include: •Working as part of a team of engineers, responsible for the planned and reactive maintenance and service of all the state-of-the-art kit on site, as well as continuous improvement tasks. •Working on VFD, Three Phase Motors, working in panels with sensors, relays, contactors, inverters, fuses, power supplies, breakers, switches •Reading through electrical schematics, utilizing electrical test equipment such as multi-meters and fault finding on panels. •Mechanically – replacing worn out parts on the conveyors which will include rollers, bearings and pulleys. •Working on Gearboxes, Shafts, Belts, Pneumatic and Hydraulic systems •Swapping both electrical and mechanical components like for like with the odd strip and rebuild project, •Working with latest technology working with a CMMS utilising the tablet-based PPM and reactive work The Person To be successful in your application for a Maintenance Engineer you will need, but not limited to; •A Recognised Engineering Qualification to a Level 3 standard or above. •Maintenance experience within an industrial environment including FMCG/FOOD, Manufacturing, Recycling or Packing environment. •Electrical or Mechanical Fault-Finding skills, looking at Root Cause Analysis •PLC or Controls experience would be advantageous but not mandatory. •Able to work well within a team and help support colleagues on shift The Benefits As a Maintenance Engineer, you should expect: •Joining a highly successful £multi-million company who can offer a massive amount of stability and security. •Opportunity for progression both technically and working your way up the man management if you want it. •Excellent Training programme, putting your interests at the heart of your progression •Fantastic salary and benefits package. •Overtime opportunities •Good Pension Contribution •Private health care which can cover family ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£45000 - 47000 per year PROGRESSION + TRAINING + BENEFITS
Southall
Role: Maintenance Engineer Shift: Monday-Friday days Salary: Up to £47,000 Location: Southall The Company Would you like to work for a surging business who are dedicated to progression and development? Would you like to own your work, and have your ideas for change actually be accepted? Our client is a strong industry player within the food manufacturing industry. With a turnover in the millions, they manufacture food product for some of the largest retailers and wholesalers in the UK! The client is currently looking for a motivated Maintenance Engineer to add to their team. Our client is continually looking to invest in new machinery for you to get working with straight away! The Role As a Maintenance Engineer, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Replacing mechanical components like-for-like such as bearings, pumps, sprockets, chains, gearboxes etc. Working on different conveyors, ovens, mixers, packaging machines, palletisers etc. Creating PPM checks and performing reactive maintenance Confidently dealing with electrical components such as sensors, electrical panels, contactors, inverters etc. Fault finding on PLC’s About You The ideal Maintenance Engineer will have the following: A recognised mechanical/electrical engineering qualification Experience within an engineering environment A sound understanding of key mechanical and/or electrical components Confidence working independently or as part of a team Company Benefits The company also discloses numerous benefits for the role of Maintenance Engineer which include: A healthy company matched pension 28 shifts of holiday allowance The opportunity to gain experience with a strong and surging business Personal progression plan ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£53400 - 53400 per year + bonus, 7% pension, qualifications
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer, £53,400, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – 5 on (days), 1 off, 5 on (nights), 10 off About the company: The company we are currently in partnership with is market leading in their sector and operate across the whole of the UK. Established over 100+ years ago, our client is a family business which has now grown to over 12 sites across the country, all operating with a different focus. Our client is constantly looking to increase, improve and initiate positive change fuelled by investment and acquisition to broaden their product portfolio. Our client is community-driven. At the forefront of their mission statement is ensuring that everything local to them thrives to it’s full extent. As well as this, every decision they make business related is taken in mind with the environmental impact it may have. About the role This is a fantastic opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer to join one of the largest as well as one of most stable companies in the FMCG sector. Due to growth and demand from the customers, the opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer has arisen. The successful Maintenance Engineer will have the opportunity to grow into leadership positions, as well as having real recognition for the effort they make in the workplace. Responsibilities will include: Ensuring the smooth running of the factory, by performing reactive and planned maintenance work. Electrical installations. Taking ownership of looking after the workshop, ensuring all the tools are correctly stored as well as ordering new stock when necessary. Teaching junior members of the engineering team to company standard and to ensure their success where possible. Fault-finding on both the electrical and mechanical components. No programming required but need to have the ability to check I/O’s, read schematics and check HMI Screens. The ideal candidate will have an electrical bias. About you: To be considered for the Maintenance Engineer position, you should have the following: Experience in a multi-skilled environment, being able to work with electrical equipment. Due to the nature of the work, you should be happy to work to food safety as well as health and safety requirements. Educated to a minimum of a Level 3 in an electrical field. To have initiative, as well as leadership skills when you may be required to if you are the most senior member on shift. Why join our client? Days based opportunity. An employee-first approach with clear routes of progression into leadership positions. 40% of promotions are internal. Regular salary reviews as well as unlimited overtime opportunities. If you want to hear more about becoming a Maintenance Engineer at this industry leading group, then please press apply or give Karolis a call on 07796 990 423, alternatively drop me an email on karolis.stenas@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£53500 - 55000 per year No nights and overtime
Biggleswade
Role: Maintenance Engineer Shift: Monday – Friday (Days only) Location: Biggleswade Salary and package: £53,500, Overtime paid The Company ATA Recruitment are proud to be working with a Secure client who have been established in the UK for many decades in Biggleswade, a proudly owned company with a well established and experienced engineering team so if you are looking to learn off other engineers and become part of a great team then this role is for you. Providing for some major UK supermarkets my client process over 150,000 tonnes of their well valued product using various pieces of machinery with plans to modernise the site moving forward and introducing automation and robotics. The role As a Maintenance Engineer your day to day responsibilities will include: - Using the companies CMMS system to complete allocated PPMs and reporting the tasks to keep the system complaint and reliable - Working mechanically and electrically to breakdowns that have been escalated to the engineering team - Electrically working on Sensors, relays, inverters and single and three phase motors - Mechanically working on Compressors, Pneumatics, Bearings, Belts, shafts and pulleys - Working on various machinery including, Conveyor systems, Check weighers, Labellers, packaging machines and more The Individual As a Maintenance Engineer we are looking for: - A recognised engineering qualification - Someone who can work confidently electrically and mechanically - Someone who can work as part of a team or independently - Someone who has good communication skills that can work safely but also efficiently and effectively The Benefits As a Maintenance Engineer you will : - Receive an annual salary of £53,500 per year with an OTE of around the £55,000 mark - Work Monday to Friday 0730-1630 with overtime paid at 1.5x Mon-Sat and 2.0x on Sun or BH - Gain job security working with a client who has been established in the UK for decades and have some Major client - Get a pension contribution plus some other incentives with the role ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Electrical maintenance engineer
£50000 - 55000 per year Pension + OT
West Yorkshire
Electrical Maintenance Engineer £50,000-£55,000 + OT + Pension Based in Bradford 6-2/2-10 The Company: A multi-site FMCG business that partner with global giants to produce instantly recognisable brands that are sold worldwide. This site in Bradford is full of complex, automated machinery, and its constantly being updated to support their customers. They have a long term strategy to increase the capacity of the plant and part of that includes the recruitment of an additional electrical maintenance engineer The Role: The Electrical maintenance engineer will be incredibly varied and includes the following Planned and reactive maintenance across the plant Machine modifications Automation projects Project work to improve the reliability of machinery and reduce downtime Electrically the maintenance engineer will be working on single and 3 phase systems, AC/DC drives, invertors, relays, and PLC’s Mechanically you will be working on conveyors, bearings, motors, shafts Required Experience: The electrical maintenance engineer must be qualified to NVQ3 as a minimum and have experience within the food or packaging industry You must be able to read and interpret electrical drawings and understand PLC controlled machinery Any experience of modifying machinery would be a distinct advantage Benefits: £50K-£55K for a double days role is extremely competitive Opportunities to develop into a team leader role are certainly on the cards if you want that Technical development and project work on automation will increase your skillset Interviews can be arranged immediately so apply by following the online instructions or send a CV to Andrew.bairstow@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website. By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
£50000 - 50000 per year Overtime (1.5x) + Bonus
South Elmsall
Mechanical Biased, Multi – Skilled Maintenance Engineer, FMCG - Job Role – Mechanical Maintenance Engineer £50,000 + Overtime (1.5x) | South Elmsall, West Yorkshire | Continental Shifts I’m looking for a mechanical maintenance engineer to join a long-established, high-volume FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a Mechanical / Multi-Skilled Engineer to join its close-knit team in a highly automated environment. The Role: As a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer, you will be working on a wide range of machinery including conveyors, labellers, printers, X-rays, and checkweighers, you’ll be responsible for both electrical and mechanical fault-finding, repair, and preventative maintenance (80/20 mechanical bias). You'll also assist with fabrications, basic welding, and part repair using tools such as lathes. What You’ll Need as a Mechanical Mace Engineer: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Ability to fault-find using all senses – sight, sound, and smell A proactive, down-to-earth team player with a strong sense of ownership What You’ll Get as a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer: Competitive salary starting at £50,000 Continental shift pattern (12-hour days & nights) Overtime opportunities + Earn £55k - £60k Life assurance & pension Career development including training courses to help you become more multi – skilled About the Business: This is a fast-paced, seasonally reactive FMCG manufacturer with a reputation for investing in its people and technology. With a strong, collaborative engineering team and ongoing machinery upgrades, the environment is ideal for engineers who thrive on solving real-world problems—not just swapping out parts. Interested? If you’re looking for a stable, supportive, and technically varied role where no two days are the same, apply to the role or get in touch with me via email – max.carling@ata-recruitment.co.uk to hear more detail. ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website. By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Maintenance Coordinator
£55000 - 55000 per year Overtime (1.25, 1.5x)
Wakefield
Job Title - Maintenance Coordinator £55,000 + Overtime (1.25x – 1.5x) + 32 Days Holiday + Pension + Life Assurance Location - Wakefield Hours: Mon–Fri Day Shift with Flexible Start Times Are you an experienced Maintenance Supervisor or Team Leader ready to step into a bigger challenge? Want to work with cutting-edge automation in a rapidly growing, global business? This could be your next career move. We’re looking for a Maintenance Coordinator to take a key role in managing and developing a multi-skilled engineering team at a fully automated, site in Wakefield. About the Company: You’ll be joining one of the most innovative names in the FMCG sector who supply major UK supermarkets. With an international footprint and a new site launching in the UK, the growth opportunity here is real. This is a career-defining role in a tech-forward business that values initiative, flexibility, and continuous improvement. If you're motivated by progression, modern engineering environments, and leadership responsibility, apply now. About the Role: As a Maintenance Coordinator you'll be leading a team of 6 engineers and 6 operators, ensuring the reliability and performance of highly automated material handling systems, including conveyors, stacker cranes, shuttles, and lifts. This is an 80/20 hands-off leadership role – primarily focused on coordination, planning, and improvement, but with enough technical involvement to keep you sharp. Key Responsibilities as a Maintenance supervisor: Day-to-day leadership: holiday cover, 1-to-1s, appraisals, daily schedules Oversee and manage the CMMS system Procurement and stock control for engineering stores Plan and assign PPM and reactive maintenance work Liaise with internal departments and contractors to ensure seamless maintenance execution Drive CI initiatives across maintenance, 5S, and asset reliability Support technical issues when required – hands-on when it counts Participate in site-level meetings with senior management What We’re Looking For: Engineering qualification: NVQ Level 3 or BTEC in Electrical/Mechanical CMMS experience is essential – you’ll be the go-to person for system use and accuracy Proven leadership – you’ve led or supervised a team for at least 1 year Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-tech environment with strong sense of urgency Bonus points for CI project involvement and working with permit-to-work systems What You’ll Get: £55,000 base salary Paid overtime (1.25x weekday/Saturday, 1.5x Sunday) 32 days holiday (including bank holidays, rising with service) Life assurance & pension Supportive leadership and real autonomy in your role Long-term growth potential in a company expanding both locally and internationally If you’re interested in becoming a maintenance supervisor, interviews can be arranged immediately so please contact me via email – max.carling@ata-recruitment.co.uk to arrange an initial discussion ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website. By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"I have been working with ATA Recruitment for the last 5 years on Engineering roles for the Group. This is a challenging market but ATA Recruitment manage to find me some great candidates. I also like their approach which means that I am kept informed and they can provide me with valuable insight into the market that we are working in. Having agencies that you truly can work in partnership with means that we feel well represented and know that we can rely on support when needed."
Engineering Manager, Samworth Brothers
"I know without a doubt that the calibre of candidate that ATA Recruitment puts forward will be outstanding. As well as this, I have been very meticulous and demanding with the person/specification of the Engineers I have asked ATA Recruitment to recruit for me, not only to fit the role from a competency prospective but to have the right attitude. Given a lean market when it comes to Engineers, let alone the requirements I have set, ATA Recruitment always deliver more than expected.”
Engineering Manager, Samworth Brothers