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
£55000 - 55000 per year profit related pay, private healtchare, 7% pension and more!
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer £55,000 Profit related pay, 7% pension contribution, private healthcare and more great benefits! Shift – Panama Days/Nights About the company: The company we are currently in partnership with is market leading in their sector and operate across the whole of the UK. Established over 100+ years ago, our client is a family business which has now grown to over 15 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 ensure that all PPM’s are carried out as per schedule and are accurately recorded. To perform reactive maintenance and ensure the swift resolution of any problems or issues. To take ownership of looking after the workshop. To ensure the smooth running of the facility through proactive maintenance. To be able to fault-find on a range of automated systems in a fast paced environment. Working on PLC systems – I/O’s 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 working within a fast paced manufacturing environment. 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? Market leading pay, as well as benefits package – family run business that looks after it’s employees. 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 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
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Maintenance Engineer
£56925 - 56925 per year + 6% Pension + Life assurance + Staff Discounts
Tilmanstone
Maintenance Engineer £56,925 Share-save scheme 6% pension contribution Company-specific qualifications Shift – 4 on 4 off (days/nights) About the company: The company we are currently in partnership with is market leading in their sector and have 35+ sites across the UK. They are currently facing huge growth because of 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, as well as driving revenues to over £3.5bn across the group. At the heart of the site is a close-knit function, who are looking to find a Maintenance Engineer to join their team. 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 and working with electrical and mechanical 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 in an Engineering field to a minimum of Level 3 – mechanical or electrical 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 as well as career progression across the group. 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
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Trainee Engineer
£43470 - 51750 per year 6% Pension, Life Assurance, Discounts, Multi-Skilled Training and more!
Tilmanstone
Trainee Engineer £43,750 - £51,750 Share-save scheme 6% pension contribution Multi-Skilled Training Company-specific qualifications Shift – 4 on 4 off (days/nights) About the company: The company we are currently in partnership with is market leading in their sector and have 35+ sites across the UK. They are currently facing huge growth because of 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, as well as driving revenues to over £3.5bn across the group. At the heart of the site is a close-knit function, who are looking to find a Maintenance Engineer to join their team. 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 and working with electrical and mechanical 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 in an Engineering field to a minimum of Level 3 – mechanical or electrical 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 as well as career progression across the group. 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
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Engineering Manager
£72000 - 72000 per year £6000 car allowance, 7% pension and health care
Trafford Park
Engineering Manager, £72,000, £6000 car allowance, 7% pension and health care, Trafford Park. ATA are currently working with one of the UKs largest food manufacturing groups, supporting them to find an experienced Engineering manager for their site in Greater Manchester. The company who has 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 have another strong year in 2026. The role As an engineering manager you will be responsible for the whole engineering department, with a direct report of a maintenance manager and a 20 strong maintenance function. Responsibilities include; Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to maximise equipment uptime and reliability. Support capital investment planning by assessing asset condition and lifecycle. Managing the sites continuous improvement and root cause analysis projects. Coach, develop, and appraise team members to build a skilled and motivated workforce. Recruitment, 1-2-1’s, Appraisals, Disciplinaries, Training & Development. Plan and coordinate engineering projects, including equipment installations, upgrades, and refurbishments. Monitor and control maintenance budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, company standards, and legal requirements. Ensure all Engineers adhere to H&S Policies and Safe Working Practices. About you Our customer is happy to speak to engineering managers from various backgrounds, however, would be particularly interested in talking to those who have worked in either a Food, FMCG, Beverage or process environment. What’s important is the following: A passion for continuous improvement, for both the site and the engineering team. Experience managing a maintenance function. Experience managing both OPEX and CAPEX budgets. Full right to work in the UK with no date restrictions. Recognised engineering qualifications. Why join? By joining our client as an engineering manager, you’ll become part of a forward-thinking business that is actively investing in its future. This is evident through recent projects aimed at automating facilities throughout their group. Having worked with the company for a long time, we've seen first-hand the clear progression opportunities available, including pathways into both group and senior operations roles. If you think you are the right engineering manager for this market leader, please press apply, call Ashton on 07814905283, or email your CV too ashton.kenney@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
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Maintenance Engineer
£40000 - 50000 per year Excellent Training, Pension Contribution and Overtime
Westbury-on-Severn
Role – Maintenance Engineer Salary – Up To £50,000 (DOE) Location – Westbury-on-Severn/ Gloucestershire Shift Pattern – DOUBLE DAYS - Monday to Friday Benefits – Good Pension Contribution, Excellent Training, Life Assurances and Employee Perks The Company A well established and reputable company whose turnover is in excess of £10m, which in turn offers incredible stability and security within the industry. As a market leader that is constantly evolving and growing as a business and have invested over £millions to bring some of the latest automation and technology to site. They provide over different quality products to their clients, with a healthy and growing order book meaning there may be more investments to keep up with demand. They believe in investing in the business as well as their people to keep them above there competition. Additionally, the business offers fantastic training opportunities for their Engineers, including engineers development, OEMs regularly being called to site for detailed training and Health & Safety Training. They are looking for an experienced Maintenance Engineer who is looking to make an instant impact on a site and contribute to the growth of the business through hard work, commitment and dedication. The Role Your day-to-day responsibilities as a Maintenance Engineer will include: Working as part of a team of engineers, responsible for the planned and reactive maintenance and service of all the state-of-the-art kit on site, as well as continuous improvement tasks. Working on VFD, Three Phase Motors, working in panels with sensors, relays, contactors, inverters, fuses, power supplies, breakers, switches Reading through electrical schematics, utilizing electrical test equipment such as multi-meters and fault finding on panels. Mechanically – replacing worn out parts on the conveyors which will include rollers, bearings and pulleys. Also working on Gearboxes, Shafts, Belts, Pneumatic and Hydraulic systems Swapping both electrical and mechanical components like for like with the odd strip and rebuild project, Working with latest technology working with a CMMS utilising the tablet-based PPM and reactive work The Person To succeed in this role, you should have: A recognised engineering qualification (ideally electrical) Proven maintenance experience in an industrial environment (ideally FMCG, FOOD, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Packaging, Utilities) Strong electrical and mechanical fault-finding skills with a focus on root cause analysis PLC experience (advantageous but not essential) The ability to work independently and as part of a team ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£52500 - 52500 per year
Wrexham
Maintenance Engineer, £52,500 Wrexham, 4 on 4 off days and nights Why join? We are on a recruitment drive supporting a business within the heart of Wrexham who are looking to add to their team. After recent investment into a new facility and £2.5m worth of Capex, our customer is going from strength to strength and throughout 2026 will be increasing the number of units leaving the factory which will significantly impact their growing turnover. This is a fast-paced food and process environment, responsible for production of both popular products and home food brands. The role would suit maintenance engineers who love problem solving, looking for extreme job security and want to be part of a growing facility. About the role Working as a maintenance engineer you will be responsible for; Proactive maintenance AND continuous improvement work. Planned preventive maintenance Reacting to breakdowns in a timely and efficient manner. Mechanical and electrical fault finding and fault rectification. Project work About you Our customer is open to speaking with maintenance engineers from various backgrounds, providing you have worked in some form of factory maintenance, or you are an armed forces leaver. Multiskilled experience, either mechanical or electrical bias. Have a passion for improvement work, adopting a fix right first-time mentality. Have the ability to work within a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills. Hold a relevant engineering qualification (Level 3, BTEC, NVQ or above). Why apply? Joining our customer, you will become part of a growing organisation who are on a mission to become a major player within the food manufacturing industry. They will be doing this whilst building a sustainable and inclusive business, in fact they are one of 400 registered B-CORP companies in the UK. That means, not only is our customer doing their bit for the environment, they also offer a fantastic work culture to be a part of. If this sounds like your gig, please give me Ashton a call on 07814905283 or email your CV too ashton.kenney@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
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Maintenance Engineer
£55069 - 55069 per year + Bonus + 7% Pension + Training + Career Progression
Trafford Park
Maintenance Engineer – Trafford Park £55,069 + Bonus + 7% Pension + Training + Career Progression 4 on 4 off Days & Nights The Opportunity ATA are currently supporting one of the UK's largest and most established food manufacturing groups in their search for a Maintenance Engineer to join their Trafford Park site. With a history spanning more than 100 years, this highly successful business employs over 2,000 people nationwide and generates annual revenues exceeding £1 billion. They manufacture a portfolio of household brands that are recognised across the UK and form part of everyday life for millions of consumers. As the business continues to invest heavily in its operations and people, they are now looking to strengthen their engineering team with an experienced Maintenance Engineer. The company is open to speaking with engineers from a wide range of manufacturing and industrial backgrounds, including ex-forces engineers looking to transition into manufacturing. The Role As a Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible for: • Carrying out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance activities • Diagnosing and fault-finding on production machinery and site equipment • Minimising downtime and supporting production performance targets • Working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment • Contributing to continuous improvement projects where possible To be considered you should have: • Strong fault-finding and problem-solving abilities • Experience working within a reactive maintenance environment • The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing setting • A recognised electrical qualification (Level 3 or above – NVQ, City & Guilds, HNC, HND or equivalent) The Benefits In a time where job security remains a key consideration, this is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and growing business with long-term investment plans. Package includes: • Salary of £55,069 • Localised profit bonus scheme • 7% pension contribution • Structured training programme tailored to your development • Clear progression opportunities into Team Leader, Maintenance Manager and Engineering Manager positions • Join a business with strong long-term stability and ongoing investment Referral Scheme Know someone suitable for the role? We offer a referral payment of £250 for every successful candidate placed through recommendation. If you're interested in this Maintenance Engineer opportunity, click apply now or contact Ashton on 07814 905283 for a confidential discussion. Alternatively, send your CV directly to ashton.kenney@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£60000 - 60000 per year Medical Healthcare, Growth and Progression
Slough
Maintenance Engineer Hayes ⏰ Double Days Shift £60,000 + Overtime + Training & Progression The Company ATA Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a well-established, family-run business that has been successfully operating across the UK for over 50 years. Supplying high-quality food products to leading supermarkets, major restaurant chains, and global hospitality brands, the company is now entering an exciting phase of growth. As part of this expansion, they are looking to welcome a talented Maintenance Engineer to their Hayes site—offering the opportunity to play a key role in driving engineering excellence and continuous improvement across a highly automated facility. The Role As a Maintenance Engineer, you will take on a varied and rewarding position where no two days are the same. You will: Respond to breakdowns efficiently, carrying out root cause analysis and implementing long-term solutions Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support exciting project work across the site Work on a wide range of electrical systems, including sensors, motors (single & three phase), relays, contactors, and inverters Maintain and repair mechanical components such as bearings, belts, rollers, and shafts Collaborate closely with production teams, attending daily meetings and ensuring smooth operational performance The Candidate We’re looking for a Maintenance Engineer who: Holds a recognised engineering qualification Is confident working both electrically and mechanically Has strong communication skills and can work independently or as part of a team Has experience within the food industry (desirable, but not essential) Is motivated to grow and develop within a forward-thinking engineering team What’s in it for You? As a Maintenance Engineer you will receive: Competitive salary of £60,000 Overtime opportunities to boost earnings Comprehensive healthcare package (including dental and additional wellbeing perks) Ongoing training and development, with opportunities for external courses Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for occasional weekend work Increased flexibility in working hours after your initial onboarding period The chance to join a growing company where your input genuinely makes an impact ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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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