At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive efficient production processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Company: Join Danish Crown, a trusted leader in food manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays, professional development, and career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values trust, teamwork, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Process Engineering or related field; experience in FMCG manufacturing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Process Engineer is a key member of the Operations team and serves as the primary technical link between Operations, Engineering, and the frontline leadership structure. The role is responsible for driving stable, efficient, and standardised production processes through strong process control, lean manufacturing principles, and disciplined continuous improvement. Working in close partnership with Production Managers, Area Supervisors, Line Leaders, and Optimisers, the Process Engineer ensures production lines are technically capable, correctly set up, and supported to run safely and consistently at optimal performance. The Process Engineer defines standard settings, develops SOPs, supports line balancing, and builds capability across the operation, ensuring that performance improvements are sustained rather than person‑dependent. The role combines hands‑on operational understanding with a solid foundation in engineering principles to improve performance, reliability, and productivity.
What you will be doing
- Process Control & Standardisation: Own and define standardised process settings for production lines to ensure consistent output, built‑in quality, yield, and efficiency. Monitor and control critical process parameters, responding to deviations and supporting structured root cause resolution. Ensure process changes are controlled, documented, and communicated effectively, working with the Senior Operations Administrator to maintain version control. Provide clear technical standards that enable Line Leaders to run lines confidently and consistently.
- Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, efficiency, and waste reduction, process stability and repeatability, and labour and line performance optimisation. Support data‑driven decision making with Lean methodologies including structured problem solving (e.g. RCA), working with Production Managers and Area Supervisors to translate analysis into practical actions.
- Operations–Engineering Interface: Act as the day‑to‑day technical interface between Operations and Engineering teams. Translate operational performance issues identified by operations team into clear technical and engineering requirements. Support Engineering with process input during trials, changes, upgrades, and improvement projects. Ensure engineering changes are practical, operable, and aligned with production realities and labour capability.
- Training, Performance & Capability Building: Develop, review, and maintain SOPs and standard work instructions for production processes. Support consistency and discipline in how processes are run across shifts and teams, reinforcing built‑in quality and right‑first‑time behaviours. Support operational teams with day‑to‑day process troubleshooting and performance optimisation. Partner with Optimisers to improve slicing stability, yield performance, and giveaway control. Support the introduction and embedding of new products, processes, or ways of working, ensuring smooth handover to operational ownership.
What you will bring
- Education: Degree or equivalent qualification in Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Professional Experience: Experience working in a process engineering or operations support role ideally within Food FMCG Manufacturing. Strong exposure to shop floor operations and production line performance. Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques.
- Technical Knowledge & Competencies: Strong understanding of production processes and fundamental engineering principles. Good knowledge of process control and standardised settings, line balancing, and labour efficiency. Confident communicator able to influence operators, Line Leaders, Area Supervisors, and engineers. Structured problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset. Practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced operational environment.
Why join us
Joining Danish Crown in this role offers you exceptional autonomy to manage defined spend areas independently and directly influence our commercial outcomes. Reporting to the Head of Procurement Operations and Sustainability, you will operate within a supportive, forward-thinking team where your market insights and sourcing strategies will drive tangible business improvements. We offer a structured schedule with an early finish every Friday, working within an environment that values professional development, career growth and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to stretch your capabilities, shape supplier relationships across multiple UK sites and contribute to our ongoing sustainability and commercial goals.
About us
Danish Crown UK is a business built on trust, teamwork and ambition. We exist to deliver food that people believe in, and we know that takes strong leadership and collaborative cultures. Our leadership principles guide us. We act for the good of the whole organisation. We hire brilliant people and help them grow. We are ambitious, curious and open to new ideas. We build trust by accepting mistakes as part of development. We believe real leadership is earned through example, not title. Whoever joins us will help create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, challenge old ways of working and stretch themselves to achieve more. If that sounds like the environment where you thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Process Engineer employer: Friland
Danish Crown UK is an exceptional employer located in Rochdale, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of your role as Deputy Production Manager. With a strong focus on professional growth, competitive salary, and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to drive real-time improvements and influence operational success. Join a team that values trust, teamwork, and ambition, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and your development is actively supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Engineer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Friland, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Process Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Friland specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friland
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Friland, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Friland value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
