Single / Multi Skilled Engineer

⭐ We welcome both Single-Skilled and Multi-Skilled Engineers ⭐

We are recruiting either Single-Skilled or Multi-Skilled Engineers, with either an electrical or mechanical bias.

If you are currently single-skilled, we will fully fund additional training to support you in becoming multi-skilled, with all development paid for by Avara Foods. This is a great opportunity to grow your career while gaining new engineering skills.

Are you passionate about engineering? Looking for a new challenge?

As an inclusive, forward-thinking business, we take pride in our approach to Feed Manufacturing across Avara Foods and are looking for a highly competent and motivated Single / Multi Skilled Engineer to join our Engineering Team, based at our Hatchery in Shobdon, Herefordshire.

What's in it for you?

As a Single / Multi Skilled Engineer, you will enjoy a secure, supportive, and progressive working environment where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded.

We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that, amongst other things, include:

• £16.83 - £18.69 per hour + £0.92 per hour shift premium for unsocial hours worked between 17:00–08:00
• 28 days holiday, increasing with service
• Pension contribution – up to 3% matched
• Life Assurance
• Various lifestyle benefits, including wellbeing resources
• Free on-site parking

Terms and Conditions apply.

Hours of Work

You will work a rotating shift pattern:

• Monday to Friday:
  • 05:30 – 13:30
  • 09:30 – 17:30
• Both shifts are 8-hour days on a two-week rotation.
• Weekend working forms part of the role:
  • Saturday: Either an 8-hour or 12-hour shift, depending on business requirements.
  • Sunday: Typically a 12-hour shift (05:30 – 17:30), although occasionally this may be an 8-hour shift (05:30 – 13:30).

On-Call Rota

There is a 24-hour on-call rota, operating on a 1 week in every 7 weeks basis to support two Hatchery sites.

As part of the rota:

• You will receive a standby payment of £16.51 per night while on call.
• If called out, you will receive a minimum of 4 hours' pay for attending.
• Overtime is paid at 1.5x your hourly rate, with double time for Sundays.

Please note: New starters will not be placed on the on-call rota immediately. You will only join the rota once you have completed your training and are confident working independently.

Although the on-call engineer is the first point of contact, there may be occasions where additional engineering support is required. In these situations, you may be asked to attend site outside of your normal shift to assist.

Purpose of the Role

As a Single / Multi Skilled Engineer operating from a well-established Hatchery, you will optimise machinery output and product quality while minimising plant downtime through effective preventative maintenance and efficient reactive repairs. You'll also maintain a safe working environment and promote best engineering practices.

This is a fast-paced, dynamic Hatchery environment, which can be noisy and dusty in some areas, incubating eggs into chicks where hygiene standards are critical. The role is predominantly factory based.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:

• Carry out Planned Preventative Maintenance and Breakdown/Reactive Maintenance of plant, equipment and incubators.
• Ensure engineering maintenance is completed in line with planned schedules and corrective actions are carried out effectively.
• Respond quickly and efficiently to breakdowns, identifying root causes and recommending improvements where possible.
• Communicate unscheduled breakdowns to management and work closely with operational teams to minimise disruption.
• Record spare parts used through the maintenance system and report to the Engineering Team Leader.
• Follow engineering standards and hygiene practices across the site.
• Ensure engineering and maintenance activities remain audit compliant.
• Work in accordance with company and legislative Health & Safety and Environmental standards.
• Complete regular process weigher and liquid meter calibrations in line with the Weights and Measures Act.
• Work safely within hazardous environments, including hot works and working at height.
• Participate in mechanical projects, including conveyors, machinery installations and refurbishments.
• Participate in electrical projects and installations.
• Support the efficient operation of effluent plant systems to ensure environmental compliance.
• Understand the operation of fire suppression systems, including Fire Trace, sprinkler and hydrant systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of environmental impacts.

What We Are Looking For

• Time-served apprenticeship in a relevant engineering discipline (single or multi-skilled).
• Proactive and dynamic approach to Health & Safety.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
• Flexible approach and the ability to work well within a small team.
• Food manufacturing experience is desirable.
• IEE 17th or 18th Edition qualification is desirable.
• Pneumatics experience is desirable.

A Little About Us

Avara Foods is one of the UK's largest food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the nation's leading supermarkets and restaurants. We are a fully integrated business controlling the entire supply chain, including feed mills, farms, hatcheries, factories, transport and logistics operations, employing more than 7,000 people.

This is achieved by investing in our people, embracing the latest technology and maintaining an uncompromising commitment to quality, food safety and customer service.

If you're ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

INDH