Engineering Technician

Manchester’s rich heritage includes landmark moments like the arrival of Penguin in 1969, the launch of its chocolate refinery in 1989, and the introduction of the first automated Jaffa Cake line in 1992. Celebrating its centenary in 2017 and earning the title of pladis Factory of the Year in 2024, the site continues to evolve, most recently with a £21 million upgrade. It’s more than just a factory, it’s a community of passionate people working together to deliver joy through every bite, across the UK and beyond.  

What will this role achieve?  

This role is an essential part of our fastpaced manufacturing operations team in Manchester. The Shift Engineering Technician will be a proactive, motivated, and collaborative contributor, with experience in driving performance, delivering improvements, and developing maintenance strategies. 

Engineering Technicians provide expertise to carry out planned maintenance, repairs, refurbishments, installations, and improvements to equipment and services. This ensures we maximise plant performance and maintain our equipment to the highest standards. 

You will complete all engineering tasks in line with Engineering, Quality, Safety, and Hygiene requirements and support the wider engineering team as we continue our journey towards World Class standards. You will also work closely with production colleagues, under the leadership of the Area Engineering Managers, as part of a multifunctional team, contributing to the overall success of the site. 

What will be your key deliverables?  

• Provide comprehensive technical engineering support to production colleagues under the guidance of the Area Engineering Manager. 

• Use your specialist knowledge of biscuit and cake manufacturing equipment and bespoke control systems. 

• Maintain excellent standards of hygiene and housekeeping. 

• Work with team managers and AEMs to determine the best approach during major breakdowns. 

• Prioritise and manage your own workload effectively. 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Speedy Kaizen / MBR and other methodologies. 

• Contribute to plant reliability through effective downtime management, PPM compliance, engineering planning, use of SAP PM, and responsible use of the engineering budget. 

• Liaise with thirdparty contractors and ensure safe and effective control of the Permit to Work (PTW) system. 

Bring your experience.  

Essential 

• This is a multiskilled role requiring strong mechanical engineering knowledge, with some electrical experience. You should be comfortable working in a variety of situations and environments. While experience in an FMCG manufacturing setting is ideal, we welcome interest from engineers in other sectors. 

• You thrive in a fastmoving environment, work well under pressure, and make sound decisions. You are proactive and solutionsfocused, with a commitment to embedding continuous improvement across the site. 

• You will have a recognised engineering qualification — such as City & Guilds Level 3, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent — in a mechanical and/or electrical discipline, along with handson experience. 

• You work well as part of a team and independently when needed, and you communicate clearly and confidently to support and empower colleagues in building their engineering skills. 

Desirable 

• SAP PM experience 

What will the interview process be?  

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition   

• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency-based interview based on our company values and your experiences. 

• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.  

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!  

What does pladis offer you?  

• Competitive Salary 

• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career. 

• Stakeholder Pension Scheme 

• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme  

• Holiday Enhancement Scheme  

• 1 Volunteering Day per year  

• Cycle to work scheme  

• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services 

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Financial Wellbeing Support 

• Access to great training and development opportunities  

Our Values  

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite  

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.  

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better  

Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward  

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together  

Best mix of ingredients  

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive. 

Accessibility at Manchester: Presently, our Manchester site does not have step-free access or lifts between floors. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.