At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the setup and launch of a new food manufacturing facility in Kent.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing healthy snack manufacturer with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hands-on experience, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work closely with founders and contractors.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project and see your impact in real-time.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing engineering and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly growing healthy snack manufacturer as they prepare to launch their very own production facility in Kent. Having recently secured a major retail partnership, the business is bringing production in-house for the first time and is now looking for a hands-on Project Engineer to help transform a small industrial unit into a fully operational food manufacturing site. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the setup, installation, commissioning and launch of a brand-new manufacturing operation, helping to create the technical foundations that will support the next stage of growth.
If you enjoy solving problems, making things happen and seeing tangible results from your work, this project will be right up your street.
The Role
Reporting directly into the founders, you will take ownership of the engineering and technical setup phase of the project, helping ensure the facility is production-ready, audit-ready and positioned to achieve SALSA accreditation ahead of launch. You'll be involved in everything from machinery installation and commissioning through to contractor coordination, facility setup, production flow, food safety considerations and practical problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Facility Setup Fit Out
- Assess the proposed facility and advise on practical setup requirements
- Support machinery layout, material flow and production area design
- Identify technical, operational and safety risks before production begins
- Ensure the site is built with food production, hygiene and future scalability in mind
- Coordinate key setup activities alongside founders, suppliers and contractors
- Machinery Installation Commissioning
- Support installation and commissioning of small food production equipment
- Assist with frying, conveying, seasoning and bagging systems
- Troubleshoot installation issues and early-stage technical faults
- Support production trials and performance validation
- Ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently before launch
- Engineering Support
- Provide hands-on mechanical support throughout the setup phase
- Assist with electrical fault finding where required
- Support pumps, motors, conveyors, packaging machinery and associated equipment
- Create practical maintenance routines and handover documentation
- Food Safety SALSA Readiness
- Support the creation of a food-safe manufacturing environment
- Ensure engineering decisions align with SALSA requirements
- Consider hygiene zoning, cleaning access, traceability and production flow
- Help build an operation that is audit-ready from day one
- Contractor Supplier Management
- Liaise with equipment suppliers and contractors
- Coordinate installation activities and technical requirements
- Help identify where specialist support is genuinely required
- Reduce unnecessary cost, delay and rework during the build phase
About You
We're looking for a practical engineer who enjoys getting stuck in and making things happen. You will ideally have:
- Engineering experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or packaging environments
- Experience supporting factory installations, commissioning projects or site improvements
- Strong mechanical engineering capability
- Practical electrical fault-finding experience
- Knowledge of three-phase systems, sensors, motors, controls and automated machinery
- Exposure to SALSA, BRCGS or similar food manufacturing standards
- Experience working with contractors and equipment suppliers
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach
- The ability to work effectively within a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment
Desirable Experience
- Conveying systems
- Bagging machinery
- Pumps and motors
- Food factory fit-outs
- Production line installations
- Setting up a new manufacturing facility
If you're the type of engineer who enjoys rolling up your sleeves, solving problems and helping bring exciting projects to life, we'd love to hear from you.
Project Engineer (Interim) in Kent employer: Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing healthy snack manufacturer in Kent, where you will play a crucial role in launching a state-of-the-art production facility. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this company offers hands-on opportunities to make a tangible impact while ensuring food safety and operational excellence. Enjoy competitive pay and the chance to be part of an exciting journey as the business expands its footprint in the food manufacturing industry.
Contact Details:
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer (Interim) in Kent
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer (Interim) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
