JOB TITLE: Process Engineer-Food Manufacturing
DEPARTMENT: Technical
REPORTS TO: Factory Technical Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: N/A
About Us:
English Provender Company produce award-winning dressings, condiments and marinades for many of the UK’s leading food manufacturers and retailers as well as nurturing our own brands: English Provender™, Very Lazy® and Newman’s Own®.
We’re a spirited, adventurous and resourceful team, and we think these qualities make for something pretty unique and coveted these days. From the mayonnaise and chutneys we create to the management styles and choices we make, everything is guided by our core company values: Put People First, Be Better Every Day, Bring Positive Energy and Do the Right Thing, the Right Way. It's these values that make us look forward to coming to work every day and make English Provender company a great place to work.
MAIN PURPOSE:
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Process Engineer to join our dynamic team within the UK food manufacturing sector. This role is pivotal in supporting both Operations and Technical teams to ensure products are delivered right first time, every time. You will play a key role in driving continuous improvement, resolving product performance issues, and enhancing product quality and consistency.
RESPONSIBILITIES/KEY TASKS:
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure new and existing products meet quality and performance standards from the outset.
* Investigate and resolve issues with underperforming products, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
* Analyse product complaints and trends, identifying root causes and leading initiatives to prevent recurrence.
* Support factory trials and process validations to optimise manufacturing processes.
* Provide on-the-ground support to operational production teams when processes are not working optimally, helping to restore and improve performance.
* Lead and facilitate a weekly Product Right First Time KPI meeting, reviewing key metrics, identifying trends, and driving accountability for improvements.
* Gain a deep understanding of our equipment and manufacturing processes, becoming the go-to expert in how sauces, mayonnaises, and chutneys are made.
* Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and control plans.
* Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
* Provide technical process support during audits and customer visits.
* Champion a culture of quality, safety, and operational excellence.
Key Requirements:
* Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or equivalent relevant work experience.
* Experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach.
* Familiarity with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., BRCGS, HACCP) is desirable.
* Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).