Overview
4 day week and no weekend work. We value your work-life balance. "The Bar is Back" – we need your mechanical expertise, problem-solving mindset, and drive for innovation to help us scale from 20 million to 70 million bars a year. At Soapworks, we produce high-quality, sustainable soap products for leading global brands. We're looking for a proactive, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to keep our production lines running at peak performance as we expand operations. From optimising equipment reliability to enhancing machine efficiency and supporting continuous improvement projects, you'll play a key role in ensuring our factory operates safely, smoothly, and sustainably – enabling us to meet ambitious production targets while upholding the highest quality standards. At Soapworks, we do more than make soap – we craft a wide range of personal care products, including hair and body cleansers and aromatic oils.
As part of our skilled engineering team, you'll help power this growth, contributing your expertise to a passionate and collaborative workforce set on shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.
Responsibilities
* Perform die changes, tool setups, and machine adjustments to meet production demands.
* Diagnose and repair mechanical faults quickly and safely to minimise downtime.
* Partner with teams to ensure equipment reliability and safety.
* Execute planned maintenance and condition monitoring to drive performance and reduce breakdowns.
* Pursue ongoing self-development to enhance skills and knowledge.
* Maintain accurate records and documentation.
* Lead and contribute to root cause analysis for continuous improvement.
* Ensure exceptional housekeeping and engineering hygiene.
* Champion a safe, healthy work environment by following all HSE procedures.
Education/Qualifications
* HNC/HND in mechanical engineering required (or equivalent).
Experience / Skills / Knowledge
* Proven mechanical engineer with hands-on experience in high-speed, high-volume manufacturing – ideally in soap, personal care, or FMCG production.
* Expertise in pneumatics, hydraulics, pumps, and transmission systems.
* Skilled in automated packaging and palletising machinery, including flow wrappers, bundle wrappers, cartoners, and labellers.
* Experienced in GMP-regulated and hygiene-critical environments.
* Proficient in MMA and MIG welding, machining, and turning.
* Familiar with 10ml and 20ml bottle filling lines (a plus).
* Basic understanding of electrical power and control systems.
Aptitudes / Attributes
* Clear, confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
* Sharp attention to detail and expert fault-finding ability.
* Highly organised with excellent time management.
* Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing operational needs.
* Proven ability to boost equipment performance and efficiency.
* Skilled in CMMS and Microsoft Office tools.
* Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused with a strong problem-solving mindset.
* Thrives under pressure with strong resilience and focus.
* A true team player who builds great working relationships.
Other requirements
* Clean driving licence ideal but not essential.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive market salary
* 4-weekly pay cycle
* 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays rising with service
* Pension
* Death in Service benefit of 3x basic salary
* Income protection benefit after 1 year in role
* Access to Help@Hand (EAP, GP & Physio services)
Application notice: We take your privacy seriously. You may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) on the basis of legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice on their website for further details.
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