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- Tasks: Support the project engineering team to improve equipment and operations through exciting projects.
- Company: Join apetito UK, a leading food supplier dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days holiday, and more perks.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and make a significant impact on business improvements.
- Qualifications: Studying Engineering, Mathematics or related Science with strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to various business functions and excellent career growth opportunities.
Join to apply for the Project Engineer (Undergraduate Placement) role at apetito UK.
The Placement Project Engineer will support the project engineering team and manufacturing to deliver improvements to equipment and operations. You will be working on a variety of projects that add value to the business and can make huge difference in every aspect of it, being given real responsibility to drive business improvement. Throughout the year, you will predominantly be working on leading and managing Capital Expenditure projects, such as introducing or upgrading equipment on site. As well as this, you will be involved in energy‑saving projects, and data analysis of key factory process operations. This role involves a balance of spending time in the factory – speaking to the team and evaluating current operations – as well as working in the office – holding discussions across departments, developing project specifications and business cases. From this placement you will develop skills in Excel and data analysis, project management, equipment installation and leading a team. You will have exposure to wider business functions including product development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing and learn much about how a business operates.
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Bonus scheme
- Additional benefits (details available on the careers page)
Past Projects
- Capital investment in new equipment in excess of £100k
- Writing detailed project scopes and business cases.
- Researching potential suppliers and equipment available on the market.
- Managing structured tendering processes and evaluating quotations.
- Organising installation of new equipment and training for staff (Food Waste Reduction Equipment Upgrade).
- Analysing quantity of food waste from inefficient equipment.
- Researching alternative designs that minimise waste.
- Developing equipment specifications and supplier selection.
- Leading and coordinating the project for new equipment installation (Freezer Temperature Optimisation).
- Identifying areas for energy savings.
- Conducting trials to compare temperature of food and surroundings.
- Researching available technologies.
- Installation of ‘food mimicking’ temperature probe covers to optimise freezer temperatures.
- Finger Food Bites – development of a new product range for patients with dementia.
- Understanding cycle times for each stage of the process to optimise.
- Developing innovative engineering solutions to improve Health & Safety, Quality and Efficiency.
- Translating the Product Development team’s vision into reality.
Essential Qualifications
- Studying toward a degree in Engineering, Mathematics or a related Science discipline with a first‑year result of 21 % or above and completed the first two years of university.
- Excellent organisational, people‑management and decision‑making skills.
- Understanding of project management and detailed specification of mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Comfortable being hands‑on on the shop floor and engaging with operators and management.
- Confidence to lead discussions and bring ideas together from different departments.
Desirable
- Experience or knowledge in Project Management.
- 2D and 3D CAD modelling.
- Working in a food production environment.
Personal Qualities
- Self‑starter with a proactive, structured approach to work.
- Comfortable speaking to teams on the shop floor to understand their problems and provide solutions.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays).
- Option to purchase up to five additional holiday days.
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
- Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4 %.
- Life assurance scheme worth at least one‑times the annual salary.
- Subsidised canteen.
- Free parking.
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas.
- Perks scheme including salary‑sacrifice options and retail discounts.
- Accredited Living Wage employer.
Company Information
Apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors, serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings. Our meals are expertly crafted by dieticians and chefs, then frozen to lock in the goodness. We are a family‑owned business dedicated to creating outstanding meals, proudly supporting British food and farming with a commitment to ethical, sustainable produce and a Net‑Zero ambition by 2040. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and are an accredited Living Wage employer.
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Project Engineer (Undergraduate Placement) employer: apetito UK
Contact Detail:
apetito UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer (Undergraduate Placement)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research apetito UK, their values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Project Engineer placement. You never know who might give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills in project management and data analysis can contribute to apetito's goals. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at apetito UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer (Undergraduate Placement)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Engineer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, like project management or data analysis. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this placement and how your background fits with our mission at apetito. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's a university project or something from a previous job, we love seeing how you've applied your skills in real-world situations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the benefits and perks we offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito UK
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research apetito UK and their past projects. Familiarise yourself with their Capital Expenditure projects and energy-saving initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills can contribute to their ongoing efforts.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with Excel, data analysis, and project management. Prepare specific examples of how you've used these skills in your studies or previous roles. Highlight any hands-on experience you have, especially if it relates to engineering or working in a team environment.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves spending time on the shop floor, demonstrate your comfort in engaging with teams. Think of questions you can ask about their operations and how you might improve them. Showing that you're proactive and willing to communicate will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you might face in a project engineering role and how you would approach them. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
