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
£60290 - 60290 per year DOUBLE PAY + 10% PENSION + TRAINING + EXCELLENT BENEFITS
Walthamstow
Role: Maintenance Engineer Shift: 4 on 4 off Days and Nights Salary: £60,290 (+ plentiful O.T.) Location: Walthamstow The Company Would you like a LOT of overtime opportunities to maximise your earnings? Are you interested in joining a solid, thriving business which is constantly investing in its site and engineers? Our client is one of the biggest food manufacturers in the world, boasting over a yearly revenue turnover of just under £20 billion globally. They supply their products to all major supermarkets, holding a key presence amongst large retailers and small trading businesses. This company has invested tens of millions of pounds within the past decade on the latest, state-of-the-art technology for you to get working on straight away. They are looking for another motivated Maintenance Engineer to get started and unlock fantastic benefits and development! The Role As a Maintenance Engineer for this company, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Fault finding electrically on control panels, contactors, relays, switches, VFD’s, three phase motors etc. Repairing state-of-the-art conveyors, ovens, mixers, metal detectors, silos, check weighers etc. Operating as a team to confidently perform reactive and planned maintenance Promote and enforce a culture of Continuous Improvement Work mechanically on bearings, chain drives, sprockets, seals, shafts, pulley systems etc. About You The ideal Maintenance Engineer will have the following: A recognised engineering qualification Experience with, or a flexible mindset for, working effectively within a team An open attitude to working in any type of industry A sound understanding of key electrical components Experience working in FMCG or similar environment Company Benefits The company also discloses numerous benefits for the role of Maintenance Engineer which include: A substantial 10% contribution towards your pension Extremely generous holiday allowance Gym, holiday, technology and supermarket discounts (this scheme includes over 500 businesses!) Access to the company’s discounted products Refer a Friend Scheme; you get paid if they employ someone you refer! Death in Service benefit which pays x4 your current salary A strong budget dedicated solely for personalised on-site training, applied from your very first day Free on-site parking and easily accessible public transport links 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
£53200 - 53200 per year bonus, 3 year PLC training, more incentives
Melton Mowbray
Maintenance Engineer, £53,200, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – 4 on 4 off (days and nights) 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? Training in PLC’s as well as food safety, health safety and other benefits with training. 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
Apply now
Maintenance Team Leader
£57765 - 57765 per year bonus, career progression, PLC Qualifications
Melton Mowbray
Maintenance Team Leader, £57,765, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, opportunities to progress Shift – 4 on 4 off (days/nights) 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 its 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 Team Leader 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 Team Leader 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: To ensure that all PPM’s are carried out as per schedule and are accurately recorded. Organising paperwork, as well as workload for all engineers on shift and to be able to plan this across the whole site. Liaising with all suppliers of stock to ensure that the on-site stock is sufficient and meets the needs of the business. To create development objectives for all Engineers under your leadership to ensure the Engineering department upholds the company standard. Motivation, as well as leadership of the Engineers on shift. The ideal candidate will have an electrical bias. About you: To be considered for the Maintenance Team Leader position, you should have the following: Ideally experienced in a team leadership role but would look at up and coming Maintenance Engineers who are heavy on their initiative. To be the subject matter expert on any Electrical issues on shift and to be comfortable getting hands on. 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. Why join our client? To progress through the ranks with tonnes of internal opportunities An employee-first approach with clear routes of progression. Regular salary reviews as well as unlimited overtime opportunities. If you want to hear more about becoming a Maintenance Team Leader 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
Apply now
Maintenance Team Leader
£54000 - 55000 per year
Wrexham
Maintenance Team Leader Salary- £54,000–£55,000 Location- Wrexham Shifts- 4 on 4 off (Days & Nights) Are you a hands-on engineer ready to take the next step in your career? We’re looking for a Maintenance Team Leader to join a leading manufacturing business in Wrexham. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong engineering experience—especially in FMCG—to step into a leadership role without needing previous leadership experience. The Role: As Maintenance Team Leader, you’ll lead a team of 3 engineers on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern (days & nights). This is a 90% hands-on role with additional responsibilities that include: • Allocating daily jobs and monitoring progress • Leading short interval control (SIC) checks • Attending and contributing to operations meetings • Ensuring smooth running of machinery and reducing downtime You’ll be the go-to person on shift, setting the standard and leading from the front. What We’re Looking For: • Level 3 qualified in Engineering (minimum) • Strong experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or FMCG environment • Confident fault-finder • A team player who’s ready to take the next step in their career ✅ No previous leadership experience required – just the right attitude, skills, and the desire to lead by example. What’s in it for you? • £54,000–£55,000 salary • A clear step into leadership with ongoing support • Stable 4 on 4 off shift pattern • Join a growing, forward-thinking company investing in its people and equipment 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
PROJECT DESIGN ENGINEER
£40 - 45 per hour
Bolton
** Project Design Engineer ** Manchester Liverpool Warrington Leigh Chester 6-12 month contract £40.00p/h - £45.00p/h DOE (Outside IR35) Food / Beverage / Manufacturing My client is a project-based engineering company that supply capital equipment across manufacturing industries. They require an experienced Project Engineer to drive projects within the business on contract basis for an initial 6-month contract. For the position of Project Design Engineer, you will require to conduct the following daily duties: Ability to drive and take control of projects See projects through their full life cycle from design through to commission and install Design of process equipment including platforms walkways & gantries as well as pipework and plant layouts Conduct design reviews whilst checking and reviewing designs successfully Occasional site visits where you will be measuring up The successful Project Design Engineer will need to have the following attributes: Ability to work on multiple projects at any one time In depth Food Industry projects & Solidworks deisgn experience A strong communicator, organised, flexible mindset, strive for excellence Commutable to Greater Manchester The benefits of this position: A highly reputable project-based business Minimum 6–12-month contract with potential for longer Outside IR35 – Limited company suitable I am looking to speak to talented contract Project Engineers who are looking for a rewarding and challenging technical position for a 6 -12-month contract. For more information on this please contact Dom Firth, Recruitment Consultant, at ATA Recruitment. 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
£33 - 35 per hour
Evesham
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Location: Commutable from Evesham, Cheltenham, Worcester Contract: 3-Month Rolling Contract Shifts: 4 on 4 off – 12hr Days only Rate: £33p/h - £35p/h – Outside IR35 The Role: We’re looking for a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join a busy food manufacturing site on a 3-month rolling contract. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machinery is running smoothly and efficiently across the site. Day-to-day responsibilities will include: Reactive maintenance and mechanical fault finding on a range of packaging machinery Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Component swaps and repairs on equipment such as conveyors, packaging machinery, cookers, slicers, pallets, and more The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Solid mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment A recognised mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ/equivalent) Strong fault-finding and repair skills across a range of mechanical components A completed mechanical apprenticeship (preferred) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-month contract 4 on 4 off shift pattern – 12hr days only Minimum 42 hours per week £33p/h - £35ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available I am looking to speak to talented Mechanical Maintenance Engineers who are seeking a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Fred O’Reilly on 07827 918 324 or email your CV to fred.oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk, Recruitment Specialist at ATA Recruitment. 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
Project Manager
£400 - 450 per day
Cheshire
** Project Manager** Ellesmere Port / Chester / Liverpool / Crewe / Wrexham £400.00 - £450.00p/d DOE – Outside IR35 Mechanical / Electrical / Software / Food / Process I am currently recruiting for an experienced Contract Project Manager, for an initial 6-month contract, with the likelihood of long-term extensions. Due to an influx of projects, they are looking for an Contract Project Manager to join their team on a contracts basis to assist on key projects. For the position of Project Manager, you will require to conduct the following daily duties: Coordinate Mechanical, Electrical, and Software divisions for multiple work packages Ensure all work packages are delivered on time and within budget Monitor and control project costs to ensure the project remains within budget Act as the main point of contact for clients, providing regular updates Identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle The successful Project Manager will need to have the following attributes: Strong background in managing mechanical, electrical, and software projects Apprentice trained ideally to NVQ L3/HNC Electrical Engineering In depth Food Industry projects & site experience A strong communicator, organised, flexible mindset, strive for excellence Commutable to the Cheshire / Wrexham area The benefits of this position: A highly reputable project-based manufacturing business Project scope within the business (long term work for the right candidate) Outside IR35 – Limited company suitable I am looking to speak to talented contract Project Managers who are looking for a rewarding and challenging technical position. For more information on this please contact Dom Firth, Recruitment Consultant (dom.firth@ata-recruitment.co.uk) at ATA Recruitment. 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
£33 - 33 per hour
Evesham
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Commutable from Evesham, Cheltenham, Worcester 3-Month Rolling Contract 4 on 4 off– 12hr Days only £33ph – Outside IR35 The Role: We’re looking for a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join a busy food site on a 3-month rolling contract. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machinery is running smoothly and efficiently across the site. Day-to-day responsibilities will include: Reactive maintenance and mechanical fault finding on a range of packaging machinery Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Component swaps and repairs on equipment such as conveyors, cranes, cookers, slicers, pallets, and more The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Solid mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment A recognised mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ/equivalent) Experience within food A completed mechanical apprenticeship (preferred) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-month contract Minimum 42 hours per week £33ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available Interested? Contact Fred on 07827 918 324 or email Fred.Oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk At ATA Recruitment, we specialise in placing engineers across the UK. If this role isn’t quite right, check out our website for more opportunities that could be a better fit for your skills and experience: You must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this 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
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