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
£40000 - 45000 per year
Hounslow
Role: Maintenance Engineer Location: Heathrow Shifts: 6am - 2pm, 2pm - 10pm, 10pm - 6am Benefits: Plenty of Overtime + External Training Opportunities (Including potential to do fully funded Level 3 Qualifications in Engineering) Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 The Company: A Global Manufacturing business with a turnover of over £700m are currently looking to add a Maintenance Engineer to their Manufacturing Facility based near Heathrow. This business has continuously re-invested into their sites and into their staff too and offer some of the best training available in the area. They have put Engineers through level 3 Qualifications in the past and have supported Engineers with their goals that they want to reach. In the last few years this business has really grown exponentially, and this is why they are currently looking to add to their team. This means you would be joining the company at a fantastic time, you would get a variety of experience on all the systems on site as well as joining a new and developing team that is given all the tools necessary to be successful. If you think this opportunity is for you, then please call Fred O’Reilly on 07827918324 or email your CV to fred.oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk The Role: Reactive Maintenance on all of the automated specialist production machinery Working in a multi-skilled capacity, with both Electrical and Mechanical work to be completed Electrically completing Fault Finding and replacing components such as sensors, invertors, contactors, relays, MCBs and Three Phase Motors Mechanically working with: Belts, Gearboxes, Rollers, Shafts, Chains, Pulleys, Bearings Coming up with ideas for projects and working on them within the team of Maintenance Engineers The Candidate: An Engineering Qualification (Open) Experience working as a Maintenance Engineer (Open to Industry) Be Confident Fault Finding using a Multi-Meter Work well within a collaborative team environment Be confident Fault Finding Mechanically The Benefits: Extensive training on all of the machinery on site, including external training opportunities abroad with OEMs and Level 3 Qualifications A Full time position with fantastic job security, this business are growing consistently and have a growing order book with more contracts to fulfil. Plenty of Overtime Available to boost your earnings Pension Contributions I am looking to speak to talented Maintenance Engineers who are looking for a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Fred O’Reilly 07827918324 or email your CV to fred.oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk Recruitment Consultant 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
Junior Field Service Engineer
£30000 - 35000 per year Vehicle + Training + OT
West Yorkshire
Junior Field Service Engineer £30K-£35K + training and development into a senior role + Vehicle + OT Are you a recent apprentice from a factory maintenance background looking for a Field service role? Are you looking for technical development and interested in becoming a product specialist on highly complex automated machinery? Based anywhere in the North of England, ideally somewhere across the M62 Corridor 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 extensively 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 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
Stores Person
£30000 - 35000 per year BENEFITS + FREE PARKING + HOLIDAY PURHCASE
Rochester
Role: Engineering Storesperson Shift: Mon-Fri Days (8-5) Salary: Up to £35,000 Location: Rochester The Company Are you looking to join a rapidly growing business with a proud heritage? Would you like to become part of a team passionate about producing the highest-quality British food products? Our client has been a cornerstone of British produce growing for just under 100 years. With decades of expertise, they continually invest in their people and plant. They are looking for a dedicated Engineering Storesperson to support their busy maintenance department. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the smooth running of engineering operations and contribute to a forward-thinking business. The Role As an Engineering Storesperson, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Keeping inventory data up to date using internal stock control systems Supplying engineers with the correct components they require to work correctly Preparing and sending goods when dispatch is required Following all safety procedures relating to storage, handling, and housekeeping Maintaining a tidy, organised, and safe stores environment Carrying out routine stock counts and investigating any irregularities Receiving and checking deliveries to confirm they match ordering requirements Correctly identifying, labelling, and placing items within the engineering stores area Contributing to improvements in stores workflow and efficiency About You The ideal Engineering Storesperson will have the following: Previous experience working within an engineering stores or similar environment A basic understanding of common engineering components and materials Strong numerical skills and accuracy with documentation Confidence using IT systems such as Microsoft Excel and stock or purchasing software The physical capability to safely carry out manual handling tasks A proactive approach to maintaining a safe working environment A forklift licence is highly desirable Company Benefits The company offers numerous benefits for the role of Engineering Storesperson, including: 28 days holiday including bank holidays, with opportunities to earn additional days based on length of service Healthy Pension contribution Learning and development opportunities Free onsite parking Access to free Wi-Fi 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
£35000 - 45000 per year Car + OT
West Yorkshire
Field Service Engineer £40K-£45K + Car + OT – for an experienced maintenance or service engineer £30K-35K – Field Technician – apprentice level engineer looking for training and development 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 extensively 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 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
Engineering Manager
£75000 - 90000 per year
Melton Mowbray
Engineering Manager, market-leading salary, great benefits working in the Food industry! (More details disclosed once up for consideration due to the nature of the role) 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 an opportunity for an Engineering Manager to join one of our largest and most notable clients in the Food manufacturing. They are looking for someone to join the ranks to look after one of their flagship sites. Responsibilities will include: • To develop, mentor and lead an established and large engineering team • Lead a culture of continuous improvement to ensure assets are at maximum reliability and availability • Set standards across the site to deliver good manufacturing standards • Lead capital projects • Be a champion for utilities and continue to look at ways of reducing usage • Develop a continuous succession plan within engineering including training, development, progression and performance • Ensure all data is correctly recorded and reported to conform with audits. • Ensure 3rd party contractors and operating to company requirement, putting in place expected working standards for work to be completed • Continuously look at ways to reduce cost and wastage across the site, driving root cause analysis • Manage the team by KPIs, conducting regular performance reviews • Forge close working relationships with technical, production, hygiene and H&S to create one message across the business • Be part of the senior management team deputising direct managers when not available About you: • Engineering Manager • You must have worked in an FMCG related environment, manufacturing or engineering related environment • Proven background of delivering budget against performance • Managing a teams of engineers 15+ • You must possess a relevant Engineering qualification 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
£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
Multi Skilled Maintenance Engineer
£50000 - 50000 per year
Wrexham
Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer Location: Wrexham Shifts: 4 on 4 off – 2 Days / 2 Nights Salary: £50,000 Training & Development Provided The Company ATA Recruitment is proud to be working with a well-established and rapidly expanding FMCG manufacturer based in Wrexham. With a solid reputation for quality and innovation, this company continues to invest heavily in its people, processes, and technology. Due to ongoing growth and an increase in production demand, they are now looking to add a skilled Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to their highly motivated engineering team. The Role – What You’ll Be Doing: As a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a fast-paced production environment. Your duties will include: Responding quickly and efficiently to mechanical and electrical breakdowns to minimise downtime. Performing fault finding and diagnostics on a wide range of production equipment and systems. Conducting planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on electrical and mechanical components. Providing on-shift electrical support to the maintenance and engineering teams. Carrying out facilities maintenance including lighting, minor installations, and repair of electrical appliances. Managing and monitoring electrical spare parts and components inventory. Requirements – What We’re Looking For: NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. If qualified mechanically, you must have strong electrical competence. Proven experience in a manufacturing or production environment is essential. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot PLCs (Siemens experience desirable but not essential), inverter drives, 3-phase motors, and other control systems. Flexible and proactive approach to work, with a passion for continuous improvement. Why Join? Fast-growing, forward-thinking company with exciting plans for expansion. Access to a wide range of training and professional development opportunities. Career progression paths into senior or specialist engineering roles. Excellent overtime availability to significantly boost your earnings. Supportive, team-focused work environment that values your input and ideas. Ready to Apply? If you’re a driven, hands-on Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer looking to join a business that genuinely invests in its people, we want to hear from you. Apply now by following the online instructions or send your CV directly to: Taylor.Hardwick@ata-recruitment.co.uk Interviews available immediately – Don’t miss out! 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 training, 7% pension + added benefits!
Southwick
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. 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 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
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