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)
Multi Skilled Maintenance Engineer
£53000 - 54000 per year Private Health Care + Profit related Bonus
Manchester
Job Title: Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer Location: Manchester Salary: £54,000 + 7% Pension + Private Healthcare Shifts: 4 on 4 off (Days and Nights) Industry: FMCG / Multisite Operations Join a leading multisite FMCG manufacturer in Manchester as a multi-skilled maintenance engineer, working on a 4 on 4 off rotating shift pattern (days and nights). This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced production environment, with strong investment in people and systems. The Role: As a multi-skilled maintenance engineer, you'll be responsible for responding to a range of electrical and mechanical breakdowns and carrying out preventative maintenance to minimise downtime. You'll be working hands-on with a variety of equipment and supporting improvements across multiple manufacturing lines. Key Responsibilities: Electrical fault finding using a multimeter (including correct setting selection and avoiding fuse damage). Basic diagnostics via HMI screens, checking I/O’s, and reading electrical schematics – no programming required. Mechanical tasks such as inspecting for wear and tear, clearing conveyor jams, and replacing snapped belts. Dealing with common breakdowns, often caused by water ingress during equipment washdowns. Working from a paper-based PPM system (currently in place), with plans to transition to Shire Systems Pirana later this year – engineers will support this transition on a local server setup. Collaborating with the wider engineering and production teams to improve reliability and safety. About You: You are a multi-skilled maintenance engineer with experience in FMCG or a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You are electrically competent and confident using multimeters safely and correctly. You can work mechanically to a reasonable standard, using logical fault-finding and visual inspections. You're comfortable reading schematics and working with basic control systems (I/O, sensors, HMIs). You take ownership, work safely, and can adapt to both planned and reactive maintenance. Benefits: £54,000 per year salary 7% employer pension contribution Private healthcare Modern manufacturing facility with investment in new systems Long-term development and training opportunities within a successful multisite group This is a great role for a hands-on multi-skilled maintenance engineer who enjoys variety, responsibility, and working in a close-knit team. Whether you’re currently in a similar role or looking to take your next step in FMCG maintenance, we’d love to hear from you. Take your next career move in Manchester with this exciting multi-skilled maintenance engineer opportunity – apply now! 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 - 56000 per year 8% matched Pension + Medical
South Yorkshire
Maintenance Team Leader (Multi – Skilled) Job Role – Maintenance Team Leader (Multi – Skilled) £54,000 - £56,000 + 8% Matched pension + Medical package + Progression into Senior Roles Shifts – 4 on 4 off Days and Nights Location – Sheffield The Company Our client is one of the largest multi-site food producers in the UK. They supply to all the major supermarkets and have a plant in Sheffield that is fully automated and full of state of the art equipment and machinery. As a result of continued investment in the site they are now looking to develop the engineering department with the addition of an experienced maintenance team leader. The Role As a maintenance team leader, you will be both hands on and hands off in your role: Management responsibilities include: Organising and prioritising tasks for the department Scheduling maintenance / PPMs, Training and developing a multiskilled team of maintenance engineers and apprentices Projects and CI work Hands on responsibilities including: Conducting planned and reactive maintenance across the site, fault finding both mechanically and electrically Identifying repetitive faults and engineering a long term solution Requirements As a maintenance team leader, it is required that you: Have an NVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent in either mechanical or electrical engineering Have experience fault finding both mechanically and electrically Previous experience of supervising / managing a team Benefits As a maintenance team leader, you will receive the following benefits: Progression into senior roles available! Great training opportunities – loads of courses available! Attractive salary and pension scheme! Private Medical If you are a maintenance team leader and are interested in the vacancy, then please contact me via email andrew.bairstow@ata-recruitment.co.uk to discuss the role in further 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
Field Service Engineer
£43000 - 47000 per year Car + Bonus + OT
West Yorkshire
Field Service Engineer £43K-£47K + Car + OT + Bonus (OTE 55-60K) Based anywhere in the North of England, ideally somewhere across the M62 Corridor Loads of training on high value complex machinery The Company: This company is part of a global organisation that design and manufacture specialist packaging machinery for the food industry. The service side of this business is growing fast, and they need additional service support for their customer so are looking for a field service engineer to join their team. The Role: Based from your home but spending most of your time on customer sites across the UK, the field service engineer will: Conduct planned and reactive maintenance of machinery and equipment Installation and commissioning of machinery Technical support over the phone to customers Electrically you will be working on control panels, wiring, motors and PLC’s Mechanically the work involves pneumatics, conveyors, bearings, motors Required Experience: The field service engineer will be electrically qualified to NVQ 3 as a minimum The flexibility to travel and work away from home is really important You could be a maintenance engineer looking for a field based role or an experienced service engineer looking for a new challenge Any exposure to the food industry and/or packaging machinery is a bonus but full product training will be given Benefits: Excellent salary and benefits package includes 33 days holiday Excellent training and technical development opportunities Paid OT to significantly increase your earnings 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. 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
£53402 - 53402 per year bonus, training, 7% pension, £60k OTE
Trafford Park
Maintenance Engineer Trafford Park £53,402 + discretionary bonus Yearly pay reviews Shift – 4 on 4 off (4 days, 4 nights) 7% pension contribution Internal training, external qualification training. About the role This is a fantastic opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer to join a household name which is backed by a market-leading food manufacturer. 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 train, as well as to grow into more senior positions. 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 be equally able with electrical and mechanical systems. 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 70+ years ago, our client is a household name in their sector. 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 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? Investing hugely across the board and invest heavily in employees to ensure retainment. 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
£50000 - 50000 per year profit related pay, 7% pension, OTE £55k
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer, Leicester, £50,000, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – Panama days, 3s and 2s, (6:30-18:30). 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
Reliability Engineer
£52000 - 57000 per year Bonus
Hayes
Role: Reliability Engineer Shifts: Monday-Friday (7-3 or 8-4) Location: Hayes Salary: Up To £57,000 + Bonus Benefits: Days Only + Time in Lieu + Training + Progression Opportunities + Bonus The Business: Our Client are a market leading FMCG business that have grown considerably in the last 10 years due to consistent investment in the site to upgrade equipment. Due to the growth of the site and growing orderbook, they have had sign off to add an additional shift engineer into the successful team. Just this year they have invested hundreds of thousands into upgrading the automation in areas of the factory and the Engineers meaning that as a Reliability Engineer you’ll have the chance to work with some of the latest technology on the market, with reliable machinery and the opportunity to work on projects and make some improvements. The Role: The Role of Reliability Engineer will include the following responsibilities: Proactive approach on improving efficiency of the machinery Working within a team of Engineers creating solutions to problems that come up day to day Working through re-occurring problems/faults to engineer problems out which will in reliability of the machinery. Creating proposals and ideas for improving efficiency, reducing waste, reducing operator error and working on these ideas to completion Having autonomy within the role, as a Maintenance Engineer with these guys you are trusted to get the job done the right way Will support the wider maintenance team on reactive and PPM The Candidate: The Right Candidate for the role of Reliability Engineer will have the following: A recognised Engineering qualification Experience working as a Maintenance Engineer on production machinery Be confident fault finding Electrically and Mechanically, ensuring all safety is met Be able to come up with ideas for Continuous Improvement Experience working with a PPM system The Benefits Benefits included for a successful applicant to this Reliability Engineer position include: A Days Only with no nights! 8% Bonus on top of your salary Time in Lieu with any additional hours worked Autonomy to work on projects and create improvements Training opportunities with local colleges or OEMs Opportunities to progress within the business, the company is growing and historically they have promoted from within. 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
Production Team Leader
£40000 - 42000 per year FREE FOOD +
South Hornchurch
Role: Production Team Leader Shift: Monday-Friday Days Salary: Up to £42,000 Location: South Hornchurch The Company Would you like to take advantage of numerous company benefits? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, with an appetite to lead your own team? Our client is a very large, internationally renowned food manufacturer! They supply their services to recognised entities such as Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Wetherspoons etc. This company has invested millions in a new production line and milling equipment, and is looking to upscale that by investing millions again in another production line. Despite already being established, they are continually growing. They are looking for a motivated Production Team Leader to take advantage of what they have to offer! The Role As a Production Team Leader, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Ensuring the efficient and uninterrupted running of all production processes Identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce health and safety risks Preparing and presenting weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly performance reports to the senior leadership team Managing a team of 17 to key performance indicators (KPIs) and aligning them with actual production data to identify trends and areas for improvement Driving initiatives to minimise on-site waste and maximise output quality and volume Empowering your team to perform to their best levels About You The ideal Production Team Leader will have the following: A recognised Production/Manufacturing/Process/ any relevant qualification Proven experience managing teams and adhering to KPIs An open attitude to working in a fast-paced environment A sound understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles Company Benefits The company also discloses numerous benefits for the role of Production Team Leader which include: Free food and drink in the company canteen, along with a select range of unreleased products you can try first! Medical cash plan including dental, eye tests etc. A strong budget dedicated solely for personalised on-site training, applied from your very first day A healthy company pension contribution Club membership with exclusive social activity perks including wine tasting, go-karting etc. 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
Field Service Engineer
£40000 - 50000 per year Company Vehicle + Bonus + Fuel Card
Huddersfield
Field Service Engineer £40,000 - £50,000 Basic + Potential Bonus 10% – 15% + Company Vehicle + Fuel Card (Can use for Personal) + Social Events and Many More Benefits Monday to Friday Days Location – Can be Based Anywhere within an Hour of Huddersfield Our client is looking for a field service engineer with packaging experience to fill the role above! The role is mechanical and electrical and you will be responsible for attending customer sites, liaising with customers and installing / servicing packaging machinery including thermoformers, flow wrappers, slicers and baggers etc. You will be working for a company who really trust their employees meaning you will be able to make this role your own. The Role As a field service engineer, you will have the following responsibilities: Fault finding on mechanical electrical components such as sensors, contactors, motors, bearings and relays etc Working both in a team and solo on a range of different equipment Travelling up and down the country carrying out routine service work and installations Requirements As a field service engineer, our client requires: You to have a level 3 qualification in engineering You to be flexible when it comes to working hours Previous experience working in the food industry and as a service engineer is preferred Benefits As a field service engineer, you will receive the following benefits: Work for a company that trusts you – book your own nice hotels, give you generous allowances, allow you to use fuel for personal use etc Company vehicle Social events e.g. team events at the races and football games Potential bonus of 10% – 15% Christmas shutdown If you are a field service engineer interviews can be arranged immediately so apply by following the online instructions or send a CV to max.carling@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