At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure operational safety and efficiency through hands-on maintenance tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join James Hall & Co., a family-run business with over 150 years of community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, staff discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and fully funded training available.
- Why this job: Be part of a committed team making a real impact in food processing maintenance.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and basic IT skills required.
Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores.
We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of work: 38 hours per week
Location: James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT
About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and skilled Food Process Maintenance Engineer to join our Maintenance Department. You will play a vital role in ensuring the operational safety and efficiency of our distribution site by delivering a wide range of maintenance tasks. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a varied, hands-on environment and enjoys working as part of a committed team.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing
- Your main responsibility will be to ensure that all food process maintenance tasks falling under the responsibility of James Hall & Co. Ltd. are completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with current Health & Safety guidelines and Food Hygiene compliance standards.
- You will work across a variety of systems and settings, ensuring that issues are promptly resolved and that all maintenance operations support smooth business performance.
- You will also play a key part in the company’s Emergency On-Call service to provide business continuity outside of regular working hours when required.
- Conducting reactive maintenance to address urgent issues or breakdowns across various food processing assets, in varied applications, such as Fresh Meat Goods, Sandwich production, Bakery plant, Dairy production.
- Completing planned and preventative maintenance (PPM) tasks to ensure assets and facilities remain in optimal condition and to minimise the risk of disruption.
- Working across domestic, commercial, and industrial premises within our distribution sites portfolio, providing hands‑on repairs and maintenance to support site operations.
- Conducting routine inspections and identifying opportunities for improvement or repair, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and hygiene requirements.
- Maintaining accurate records of all maintenance activities using Microsoft Office 365 tools, including updating job sheets, maintenance logs, and reports.
- Collaborating with other team members, contractors, and site colleagues to ensure coordinated delivery of works and effective communication on site.
- Participating in the Emergency On-Call rota to provide essential support outside of regular hours when required.
A Few Things About You
- Demonstrate honesty, punctuality, and commitment to your role and responsibilities.
- Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Have basic IT skills to confidently operate Microsoft Office 365 for reporting and documentation.
- Show strong organisational abilities and the capacity to manage and prioritise a varied workload.
- Hold a valid, clean UK driving licence — occasional travel between sites may be required.
- Hold a relevant Engineering qualification suitably applied to food processing maintenance, or related FMCG applications.
- A keen eye for improvement with an excellent practical skillset.
- Be confident and experienced working within domestic, commercial, and industrial environments.
- Have a flexible approach to working times, including the willingness to participate in the on‑call rota and occasionally work outside regular hours.
Why Join Us?
James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vision: to still be in business in another 50 years! To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.
- Loyalty Pay: Celebrate your work anniversary with a little extra! You’ll earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay with us. Your total is paid as a lump sum in the month following your anniversary.
- 20% Staff Discount: Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company-owned SPAR stores - perfect for those everyday essentials and treats.
- Annual Leave: Start with a generous 30 days of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service, rewarding your continued commitment.
- Health & Wellbeing: All colleagues can access our on-site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year-round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental, and lifestyle topics.
- Company Sick Pay: We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
- Pension & Life Insurance: You will be enrolled into the Nest pension scheme. After two years of service, you will also receive life insurance cover, offering added security for you and your loved ones.
- Free Onsite Parking: All colleagues have access to free onsite parking, making your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
- Learning & Development: Whether you're looking to build your career or gain new skills, our in-house team will support you with fully funded, accredited training and industry‑recognised qualifications.
- Grocery Aid Support: Access free, confidential, 24/7 support through Grocery Aid — offering expert advice and help on everything from mental health and financial concerns to legal issues and family support.
Manufacturing Maintenance Engineer - James Hall & Co. employer: James Hall
James Hall & Co. Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at our modern head office and distribution centre in Preston. With over 150 years of service, we prioritise employee well-being through generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, health and wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a culture of loyalty and community among our 4000 colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Maintenance Engineer - James Hall & Co.
✨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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like James Hall, 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 Manufacturing Maintenance Engineer - James Hall & Co.
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 James Hall 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 James Hall
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with James Hall, 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 James Hall 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.
