At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our manufacturing plants running smoothly with hands-on mechanical and electrical maintenance.
- Company: Join McCain, a global leader in food production with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, health plans, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment with a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on problem-solving and innovation.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent in engineering is essential; experience in maintenance is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31819 - 38889 £ per year.
Multi-Skilled Engineers - Whittlesey
In every role, Mc Cainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together.
With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with Mc Cain easy.
About working in Engineering at Mc Cain.
Our manufacturing plants run around the clock producing some of the UK's most loved food products - and our engineers are the heartbeat of everything we do.
From the moment potatoes arrive at our factory gates to the finished product heading out the door, our engineering teams keep every stage of that process moving safely, efficiently, and reliably.
This isn't a role where you clock in, fix one thing, and clock off.
Our plants are complex, fast-moving environments where no two shifts are ever the same.
You'll be working across mechanical and electrical disciplines, responding to both planned and unplanned maintenance, driving continuous improvement, and playing a real part in keeping production running at its best.
With automation on the rise, staying ahead is non-negotiable - and our engineers are right at the sharp end of that challenge.
If you thrive under pressure, love problem-solving, and want to feel genuinely proud of what you do, this is the environment for you.
What kinds of roles do we typically recruit for?
We recruit at all levels of engineering, from skilled craftspeople through to team leaders and chargehands.
Whether you're a hands-on engineer, or someone who's ready to step into a leadership position and bring a team with you, we want to hear from you.
Roles vary across our sites in terms of shift patterns and specific focus areas - but all share the same core: technical excellence, safety-first thinking, and a drive to keep our plants performing at their very best.
What you'll typically be doing.
- Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance across the manufacturing site, keeping plant and equipment running reliably and safely.
- Diagnosing faults quickly and effectively - getting to root cause and putting lasting fixes in place.
- Working closely with production teams to make sure standards are always being met and any issues are communicated clearly and promptly.
- Contributing to and leading continuous improvement activity, finding smarter, faster, better ways to do things.
- Using and updating our Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to maintain accurate records of all work completed.
- Supporting lean manufacturing principles and helping embed best practice across the team.
- Working safely at all times, taking personal responsibility for your own wellbeing and that of everyone around you.
- At more senior levels: organising and prioritising shift workloads, providing technical support to the team, and ensuring contractors are inducted and working safely on site.
What you'll need to be successful.
We’re looking for Multi‑Skilled Engineers - people who are as comfortable with a mechanical challenge as they are with an electrical one.
You'll already know what it takes to keep a manufacturing plant moving, so we won't labour the obvious.
But here's what we'll be looking for.
Qualifications (or equivalent)
- NVQ Level 2/3, BTEC Level 3, or City & Guilds Part 3 in a relevant engineering discipline - one of these is essential.
- A time‑served apprenticeship - essential.
- HNC or National Certificate (ONC) in a relevant discipline - desirable.
- IOSH or NEBOSH certificate - desirable.
Experience & knowledge
- Proven experience in a maintenance role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong fault‑finding skills across both electrical and mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of SCADA systems and PLC fault finding - desirable.
- Understanding of modern maintenance techniques and lean manufacturing principles.
- Familiarity with health and safety legislation and safe systems of work.
- Experience using a CMMS or similar maintenance management tool.
Skills & behaviours
- Genuinely multi‑skilled - confident working across disciplines.
- A natural problem solver who acts on their own initiative.
- Strong communicator who can explain technical information clearly to both engineering and operational colleagues.
- Able to work at pace without cutting corners - organised, prioritised, and calm under pressure.
- A team player who lifts others around them, not just themselves.
- Computer literate - comfortable with Microsoft Windows and Office applications.
Benefits
Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy
- An excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme where we'll contribute double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your pay.
- 25 days' annual leave from day one plus bank holidays (increasing with service), with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days per year.
- Medicash health cash plan - claim money back on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, and physiotherapy, with 24/7 virtual GP access and mental health support.
- Life insurance cover providing peace of mind for you and your family.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, because the moments that matter outside of work matter to us too.
- TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme - including a 24/7 confidential counselling line, legal and financial guidance, and a range of employee discounts.
- Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
- A paid 'Chips In' Volunteering Day, giving you the chance to make a positive difference in your community.
- And because you're joining a global business, your career opportunities don't stop at the factory gate.
Whether you want to deepen your technical expertise, move into leadership, or explore opportunities internationally - we'll back your growth.
With ambitious plans for the future, there's plenty of scope to develop your career with us.
About Mc Cain.
At Mc Cain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve results.
We are customer obsessed, curious, and driven.
We think big, act like owners, and bring out the best in our people.
We foster trust and inclusion, create space for healthy debate, and commit to decisions together.
These aren't just words on a wall - they're how we show up every day.
The Mc Cain Experience.
We are Mc Cain.
This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value.
Your contributions play a vital role in our success.
Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another.
Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Join us and experience why we’re better together.
We are Mc Cain.
Mc Cain Foods is an equal opportunity employer.
As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work.
We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Mc Cain is an accessible employer.
If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us.
By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with Mc Cain's Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable.
Mc Cain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans.
You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.
Although we do encourage you to taste the goods, you'll be pleased to know we don't pay you in chips.
Our engineering salaries are competitive within the local area, and we can share the details once you've applied.
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Multi-skilled Engineer - Whittlesey in Saffron Walden employer: McCain
As a Production Operative at our Wombourne facility, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in manufacturing. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities, ensuring you can achieve your full potential. With a strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi-skilled Engineer - Whittlesey in Saffron Walden
✨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 McCain, 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 Multi-skilled Engineer - Whittlesey in Saffron Walden
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 McCain 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 McCain
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with McCain, 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 McCain 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.
