At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair production machinery while ensuring efficient operations.
- Company: Join VPK, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, pension scheme, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent, with experience in manufacturing.
At VPK, we create sustainable packaging solutions that help businesses across the UK and Ireland operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact. As part of our continued investment in our people and manufacturing facilities, we are looking for a skilled Shift Engineer to join our Engineering team at our Desborough site.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, solving technical challenges, improving equipment reliability and playing a key role in keeping production running safely and efficiently.
The Role
Working on a double day shift pattern (06:00–14:00 and 14:00–22:00), you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing production machinery, ensuring equipment reliability and supporting production teams to achieve quality, safety and performance targets. The role is predominantly based on double days, with approximately two weeks of night shift cover per year to support holiday cover, along with some flexibility to meet production requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) across production machinery and plant equipment.
- Respond quickly to breakdowns, diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic faults.
- Minimise downtime and maximise equipment reliability.
- Support production teams to ensure efficient manufacturing operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve machine performance and reliability.
- Assist with machinery installations, modifications and commissioning.
- Complete maintenance records, work orders and engineering documentation accurately.
- Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor critical spare parts and report stock requirements.
- Maintain excellent housekeeping standards within engineering and production areas.
- Ensure all work complies with Health & Safety, environmental and quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with operators, engineers and production teams to achieve business objectives.
About You
We are looking for someone who enjoys working in a busy manufacturing environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality engineering support. You will ideally have:
- A recognised Mechanical, Electrical or Multi-Skilled Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.
- Previous engineering experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills across mechanical and electrical systems.
- Experience carrying out planned preventative and reactive maintenance.
- Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety within manufacturing.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
- A flexible attitude and willingness to develop multi-skilled capabilities.
Why Join VPK?
At VPK, we are committed to investing in our people and creating an environment where everyone can develop and succeed. We offer:
- Competitive salary
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Free onsite parking
- Training and career development opportunities
About VPK
VPK is an international manufacturer of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions with operations across Europe. We combine innovation, investment and a strong commitment to sustainability to deliver high-quality products for customers across a wide range of industries. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to offer long-term career opportunities within a supportive and forward-thinking manufacturing environment.
Ready to engineer your next career move? We would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Shift Engineer employer: TH Recruitment
TH Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have ample opportunities to enhance your HR expertise while contributing to a positive workplace culture. The supportive team atmosphere and commitment to employee well-being make this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift 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 TH Recruitment, 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 Shift 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 TH Recruitment 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 TH Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with TH Recruitment, 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 TH Recruitment 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.
