At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and improve night shift operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established family-owned food manufacturing business with strong values.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, staff discounts, and free onsite parking.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a close-knit team and take ownership of machinery performance while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years engineering experience in food manufacturing and strong mechanical/electrical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Colchester
Salary: £45,000–£48,000 per annum (inclusive of night shift premium)
Overtime: Paid at a fixed rate of £22.70 per hour
Hours: 45 hours per week, working 9:30 PM–6:30 AM
About the Role: A well-established food manufacturing business is looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve night shift operations. You’ll help keep production lines running efficiently, reduce downtime, and maintain high standards of food safety and quality. This is a fast-paced, shop-floor-based role where you’ll work closely with operators and team leaders, taking ownership of machinery performance and shift operations during the night shift. A UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential due to the site location. If you are a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving problems, taking ownership and working as part of a close-knit team, we would like to hear from you.
Benefits:
- 33 days annual leave, 3 days reserved for Christmas shutdown
- Enhanced sick pay after one year of service
- Night shift health & wellbeing support
- Staff discount on products
- Employee discount platform
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and HR support
- Free onsite parking
- PPE provided
- Family-owned business with a strong culture and clear values
- Varied role with responsibility and autonomy
- Call-out and overtime opportunities available
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond quickly and effectively to equipment breakdowns, diagnosing and resolving electrical and mechanical faults.
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance activities.
- Support production teams in achieving shift performance targets.
- Maintain and improve equipment reliability.
- Assist with continuous improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
- Ensure engineering work is completed safely and in line with food manufacturing standards.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and shift handovers.
- Act as the primary engineering contact during the night shift.
- Work closely with the Manufacturing Shift Manager to ensure the factory operates safely, efficiently and delivers the production plan.
Requirements:
- Food/FMCG Industry Experience highly desirable: Minimum 2–3 years of engineering experience within food manufacturing, high-speed packaging, or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
- Hands-on Mechanical & Electrical Skills: Good understanding of both electrical and mechanical systems with confident troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems, automated conveyors, and pneumatic machinery on the factory floor.
- Root Cause Analysis: Proven ability to quickly diagnose mechanical failures and implement long-term preventive actions.
- SME Mindset: Highly adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced, smaller business environment.
- Local Commute: Ability to reliably commute to the factory site in Essex.
Desirable:
- Apprentice trained or recognised engineering qualification, electrically biased with mechanical maintenance capability, Formal training in HACCP principles or food hygiene.
- Experience in configuring dispersion tables, radial feeders, and pool/weigh hoppers for maximum throughput.
- Experience in diagnosing and fixing jaw-seal issues, back-seal alignment, and gas-flush settings on modern bagmakers (e.g., Ishida Inspira or Atlas series).
Manufacturing Engineer in Colchester employer: Cottrell Moore Ltd
Join a family-owned food manufacturing business in Colchester, where you will be part of a supportive and close-knit team dedicated to maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and health support tailored for night shift workers. This role not only provides autonomy and responsibility but also opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Manufacturing Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of food safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled equipment breakdowns or improved production efficiency in past roles. We want to see that hands-on experience shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and work culture. Check out our website for openings that match your skills and interests, and make sure to tailor your approach to each company’s unique vibe.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their night shift operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience in food manufacturing and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our night shift operations!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous jobs, especially in fast-paced environments like ours.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities. We love engineers who can quickly diagnose issues and implement effective solutions, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this skill.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottrell Moore Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, especially in the context of food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific experiences where you've diagnosed faults or improved machinery performance.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled equipment breakdowns or implemented preventive maintenance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your hands-on approach.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture, especially their focus on food safety and quality. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their close-knit team environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the night shift operations. Inquire about the challenges they face in maintaining production efficiency and how you can help address them. This shows your genuine interest and proactive mindset.
