Process Technician

Overview – Kepak Group

Kepak is a global food company serving international retailers and food service household names with prime cuts of meat, on-trend food concepts and ready-for-market convenience foods.  Our meat is sourced primarily from quality assured farms and our beef and lamb are pasture-grazed for most of the year.

Be it fresh meat crafted by our master butchers (such as McIntosh Donald and St.Merryn) or our famous brands (such as Rustler’s, Big Al’s and John Stone), we offer a total foodservice solution with the premium quality our customers demand.

Overview – Red Meat UK (RMUK) Division

Kepak Red Meat UK (consisting of our two brands; St Merryn and McIntosh Donald), operates from three sites within the UK. McIntosh Donald, in Aberdeen has the capacity to slaughter 2,500 lambs and 1,800-2000 cattle per week. St. Merryn in Merthyr Tydfil has combined beef and lamb processing and packing facilities, with the capacity to slaughter 20,000 lambs and 2,000 cattle per week while our second St. Merryn site in Bodmin, Cornwall has the capacity to slaughter 1,500 cattle per week. We have dedicated retail packing capabilities within our business and offer beef and lamb products ranging from retail ready cuts for butchers’ counters to branded packaged meat, all as part of our service.

Our People & Our Culture

Our founder, Noel Keating, was a second-generation master butcher and his entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Kepak. We are, to this day, family-owned and run, which creates an open, positive, and genuinely welcoming working environment.

In a challenging and dynamic environment, our philosophy is always to be ‘more than’. We are more than tradition, more than quality, more than meat and more than a job.

The Process Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of meat slicing and packing lines. This hands-on technical position supports production by setting up, maintaining, and optimizing equipment, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role contributes directly to product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Line Setup & Optimization

·         Configure and calibrate production lines for daily operations.

·         Fine-tune equipment to maximize throughput and minimize waste.

·         Monitor performance and proactively resolve issues.

Engineering Support

·         Provide technical support to production teams.

·         Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related faults.

·         Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to resolve complex issues.

Continuous Improvement

·         Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

·         Document changes and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Maintenance Activities

·         Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance.

·         Maintain accurate records of interventions and equipment performance.

·         Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Team Collaboration

·         Work closely with Production Operators, Quality Technicians, and Engineers.

·         Participate in team meetings, shift handovers, and performance reviews.

·         Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning.

Beneficial Equipment Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be at an advantage:

·         High-speed slicing and portioning equipment

·         High-speed tray sealers and thermoformers

·         High-speed weighing and labelling equipment

Ideal Candidate Profile

·         Background in food manufacturing, preferably meat processing.

·         Strong mechanical, electrical, and electro-technical skills.

·         Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP, BRC, COSHH).

·         Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.

·         Flexible, self-motivated, and responsive to production demands.

·         Comfortable with automated/semi-automated equipment and digital systems.

·         Proficient in English for verbal and written communication across teams and systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical qualification in Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (e.g., HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3).
• 2+ years in a manufacturing or process engineering environment.
• Desirable: Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Six Sigma.
• Certifications such as:
• Level 3 Process Industry Manufacturing Technician
• NVQ in Food Manufacturing Excellence
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

• Company Pension

• Training and Development
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Refer a Friend Scheme - Get up to £500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
• Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
• Subsidised Canteen - Our on site canteen is serving multiple hot food options during the day
• Free Car Parking - Our Kepak site has a dedicated staff car parking facility which is free to use for all of our colleagues.
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - Providing emotional, practical and financial support for all Kepak colleagues.