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)
Site Services Engineer
£46078 - 46078 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Site Services Engineer – £46,078 + Profit-Related Pay – Leicester (LE1) Monday to Friday – 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 in 2021 due to the acquisition of new sites from their competitors. What you’ll be doing As a Site Services 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. 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 Site Services 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 Site Services Engineer or a maintenance engineer looking to specialise, this is a chance to step into a business-critical role with real influence and development opportunity. Why you should apply Join a major UK manufacturer with long-term customer partnerships and stable workload. 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 Site Services 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 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: To attend to reactive breakdowns and to ensure that all PPM’s are carried out as per schedule and are accurately recorded. Fault-finding skills, checking I/O’s and to maintain the equipment to working standard. 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. Why join our client? 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. Profit related pay, 7% pension, internal career progression and other 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 profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Melton Mowbray
Maintenance Team Leader, £57,765, profit related pay, private healthcare, 7% pension contribution, training courses, opportunities to progress 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 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 Team Leader 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
Site Services Engineer
£46078 - 46078 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Site Services Engineer – £46,078 + Profit-Related Pay – Leicester (LE1) Monday to Friday – 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 in 2021 due to the acquisition of new sites from their competitors. What you’ll be doing As a Site Services 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. 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 Site Services 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 Site Services Engineer or a maintenance engineer looking to specialise, this is a chance to step into a business-critical role with real influence and development opportunity. Why you should apply Join a major UK manufacturer with long-term customer partnerships and stable workload. 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 Site Services 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!
Melton Mowbray
Maintenance Engineer, £56,086, profit related pay with bonus increasing year by year, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – 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 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: To attend to reactive breakdowns and to ensure that all PPM’s are carried out as per schedule and are accurately recorded. Fault-finding skills, checking I/O’s and to maintain the equipment to working standard. 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. Why join our client? 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. Profit related pay, 7% pension, internal career progression and other 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
£56271 - 56271 per year 8% pension, private healthcare, training + more!
Spalding
Maintenance Engineer, £56,271, 8% pension contribution, life insurance, job-related benefits and 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. They are currently facing huge growth by the acquisition of a market competitor. Our client is constantly looking to increase, improve and initiate real change within the food manufacturing sector. Our client is a specialist in the fresh and frozen food sector and have over 15 sites and over 15 depots that cater for their customers which range from supermarkets to well known restaurants. About the role This is a fantastic opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer to join a soon-to-be market leader. The successful Maintenance Engineer will have the opportunity to grow their skill set with working alongside the latest technology and the ability to upskill their skill set through internal/external training. Responsibilities will include: To attend to reactive breakdowns and to ensure that all PPM’s are carried out as per schedule and are accurately recorded. Fault-finding skills, checking I/O’s and to maintain the equipment to working standard. To diagnose job maintenance and to relay it to the Engineering team, as well as to monitor performance of all machinery. 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. Why join our client? Working for a market-leading company which are acquiring the nearest possible competitors – assuring job stability for their staff. Market-leading remuneration as well as good benefits. Opportunities to obtain qualifications and internal/external training. If you want to hear more about this opportunity, 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
£45000 - 45000 per year 7% pension, private healthcare and more benefits!
Shoreham
Maintenance Engineer, £45,000, private healthcare, 7% pension contribution, internal training, external qualification training. Shift – 4 on 4 off (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. To provide assistance and support to junior engineers as well as production staff. 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. Why join our client? Training in any Electrical 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
£57750 - 57750 per year EXCELLENT TRAINING + RETAIL DISCOUNTS
Rochester
Role: Maintenance Engineer Shift: 4 on 4 off Salary: Up to £57,750 (+ Overtime available) Location: Rochester The Company Are you interested in a company that actively analyses your skillset, and puts their engineers on college courses to upskill? Would you like to establish yourself as part of a growing maintenance function? Our client is a key industry player who package and distribute wholesale products. They supply their services to the biggest UK supermarkets in the world such as Sainsbury’s, Lidl etc. This company has consistently invested in new production lines, equipment, machinery and Continuous Improvement projects for you to get working on. They are looking for another motivated Maintenance Engineer to get started and make an impression to unlock future development! The Role As a Maintenance Engineer, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Fault finding on electrical components such as sensors, relays, contactors, inverters etc. Repairing mechanical components such as bearings, sprockets, shafts, rollers etc. Working on conveyors, flow wrappers, packaging machines, shrink wrappers etc. Operating as a team to confidently perform reactive and planned maintenance Promote and enforce a culture of Continuous Improvement 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 and mechanical components Company Benefits The company also discloses numerous benefits for the role of Maintenance Engineer which include: Excellent training – be sent to college, travelling abroad for OEM training etc. A healthy matched company pension contribution Retail discounts Company paid for training courses <23 shifts of holiday allowance Free on-site parking 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