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
£45000 - 45000 per year Generous over time and no nights
Harlow
Role: Maintenance Engineer Shifts: Monday – Friday (8-4/9-5) Location: Harlow Benefits: £45,000 + Holidays with chance to purchase more, security and training The company ATA recruitment are proud to be working with a company that have been established for 150 years with a consistent turnover of £50mn in their respective manufacturing industry in the food sector. With a handful of sites across the UK they are a leader in their field and have been supplying so mega clients in the industry. A proudly run business who offer stability and security who have gone from strength to strength over the last decade which is a huge benefit within the UK manufacturing sector with lots of uncertainty over the last couple of years The Role As a Maintenance Engineer your responsibilities include: - Working alongside engineers from various backgrounds and communicating with them - Working on machinery such as Conveyor Systems, Vibrators, Packaging machinery, silos and more - Mechanically fault finding using various techniques and continuous improvement, - Working on components including bearings, belts, rollers, hydraulics, pneumatics, shafts, pulleys chains, gearboxes and more The Engineer To be considered for the Maintenance Engineer role you must: - Have a recognised engineering qualification - Be able to drive within the UK and have a car - Be able to communicate with other engineers on shift working closely with the mechanical team - Be comfortable working as part of a team but also independently when needed - Acknowledge the call out the company shares between the engineering team Package and Benefits As an Electrical Maintenance Engineer you will: - Receive an annual salary of between £37,000 - £45,000 - Generously paid bonus for attending call out - Be working either 8-4 or 9/5 – Monday to Friday - Get 24 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays plus the opportunity to buy an extra 5 days - Receive a healthy pension contribution from my client 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 Engineer
£53425 - 53425 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer, £53,425, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, 3-year intensive PLC training Shift – Wk 1 Monday to Friday 07:00 to 19:00, Wk 2 Sunday to Thursday 19:00 to 07:00, Wk 3 off, Week 4 Monday to Friday 07:00 to 19:00, Week 5 Tuesday to Saturday 19:00 to 07:00 Week 6 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
Apply now
Maintenance Engineer
£56086 - 56086 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer, £56,086, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – Panama 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 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 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 Engineer 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? 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
Facilities Engineer
£46000 - 46000 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Facilities Engineer – £46,078 + Profit-Related Pay – Leicester (LE3) Monday to Friday – Days (8am–4pm) – 7% Matched Pension + Private Healthcare + 25 Days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays + Life Assurance About the client ATA are currently working with one of the UKs largest food manufacturing groups, supporting on a recruitment drive for their established site in the heart of Leicestershire. The company who have been established for over 100 years employ over 2000 staff across the country and boast a portfolio of manufactured goods second to none. These goods are some of UKs most recognisable brands of which have become a staple part of British homes shopping lists. With a turnover eclipsing £1B the business is going from strength to strength and are set to grow even further due to the acquisition of new sites from their competitors. What you’ll be doing As a Facilities Engineer you will be the primary support for all facilities-related systems across the full site—ensuring functionality and safety for critical services. This is a role for someone who enjoys working and taking ownership of essential infrastructure. Responsibilities: Maintenance and compliance of site-wide systems including boilers, steam, ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, water treatment, compressors, air filtration, and drainage. Managing and monitoring electrical systems including high voltage, FGAS, AC units. Handling planned checks for leaks, pressure drops, corrosion, and safety-critical components. Keeping all associated paperwork, permits, and systems up to date in line with regulations such as LOLER, PSSR, Legionella control, and electrical safety. Being the key contact on-site for all service-related audits and compliance queries. This is a hands-on Site Services Engineer role with training opportunities as well as other aspects which will allow What the client is looking for To be a successful Facilities Engineer, you’ll need: A recognised Electrical qualification Experience with site services systems such as boilers, compressors, HVAC, refrigeration, or steam. The ability to read electrical drawings, fault-find safely, and liaise with multiple site stakeholders. Background in food/FMCG is beneficial, but not essential. Whether you’re an experienced Facilities Engineer or a maintenance engineer, this role could be right for you. Why you should apply Join a major UK manufacturer with long-term customer partnerships and stable workload. Step into a central engineering role across a modern three-factory site. Gain additional training (gas, legionella, air handling) and full support for compliance development. Monday to Friday days – no nights or shifts, with genuine progression potential. If you feel you’re the right Facilities Engineer for this opportunity, apply now or reach out to karolis.stenas@ata-recruitment.co.uk or call Karolis on 07796 990 423 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 Engineer
£56086 - 56086 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer, £56,086, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – Panama 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 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 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 Engineer 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? 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 Engineer
£33 - 35 per hour
Evesham
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer - Nights Location: Evesham Contract: 3-Month Rolling Contract Shifts: 4 on 4 off – 12hr Nights Rate: £33p/h - £35p/h – Outside IR35 The Role: We’re looking for a skilled Multiskilled 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 fault finding on a range of food production and 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 maintenance experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment A recognised engineering qualification (Apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ/equivalent) Strong fault-finding and repair skills across a range of components A background working in food (preferred) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-month contract 4 on 4 off shift pattern – 12hr nights Minimum 42 hours per week £33p/h - £35ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available I am looking to speak to talented Multiskilled 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
Industrial Engineer
£35 - 35 per hour
Evesham
Industrial Engineer (Boiler & Refrigeration) Location: Commutable from Evesham, Cheltenham, Worcester Contract: 3-6 Month Rolling Contract Shifts: 4 on 4 off – 12hr Days & Nights (6–6) Rate: £35ph – Outside IR35 We’re looking for an experienced Industrial/Maintenance Engineer with boiler and refrigeration expertise to join a busy FMCG site on a 3-month rolling contract. You’ll play a key role in maintaining and improving critical utility systems, ensuring production runs smoothly and safely. Day-to-day responsibilities will include: Maintaining and repairing ammonia refrigeration systems, industrial boilers, glycol chillers, cooling towers, and compressed air systems Delivering effective planned and reactive maintenance across plant and utilities Responding to mechanical and electrical breakdowns quickly to support production Completing accurate shift reports, emails, and handovers Ensuring compliance with safety standards, permit-to-work systems, and food safety (HACCP) requirements Identifying and implementing improvements to increase reliability and efficiency Working closely with Engineering, Production, Admin, and Stores teams Requirements: 5+ years’ experience in FMCG or a similar fast-paced manufacturing environment Proven experience with refrigeration (ammonia), boilers, chillers, pumps, and motors Strong mechanical and electrical maintenance skills A recognised qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Refrigeration Engineering HACCP/Food Safety Level 3 (beneficial) Ammonia/BOAS/F-Gas certifications (beneficial) Basic welding/fabrication skills (advantage) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-6 month contract 4 on 4 off shift pattern – 12hr days & nights (6–6) Minimum 42 hours per week £35ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available I am looking to speak to talented Industrial/Maintenance Engineers with boiler and refrigeration experience who are seeking a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Fred O’Reilly on 07827 918324 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
Lead Maintenance Engineer
£45000 - 50000 per year Pension
West Yorkshire
Role – Lead Maintenance Engineer Location - Bradford Hours – Days, Monday to Friday, can be flexible on start and finish times to suit Salary - £45-50k The company ATA Recruitment are pleased to partner up with a rapidly growing manufacturing firm in Bradford, West Yorkshire. They are an industry leader with a well-respected reputation in the market with a huge order book, so job security is guaranteed. They are recruiting for an experienced lead maintenance engineer to help develop the department The role The lead maintenance engineer role would include: Conducting the PPM’s on all the machinery on site Working on a range of high spec machinery and ancillary equipment Work with the production team to optimize machine performance and reduce waste. Organise the stores department ensuring parts are always available About you The ideal lead maintenance engineer would be: Holding a recognised qualification in engineering Time served or experience working in a FMCG/manufacturing background Multi-skilled with electrical and mechanical fault-finding experience The benefits Alongside the £45-50k salary for a days-based role, this opportunity offers several different benefits. The successful lead maintenance engineer would also obtain industry specific training, allowing them to progress their skills and enhance their capabilities. Competitive salary package with excellent benefits. Be part of a high-growth business with strong financial backing and ambitious expansion plans. 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
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