General Engineering
Specialist General Engineering RecruitmentATA Recruitment is a leading engineering recruitment company in the UK, specialising in sourcing high-calibre professionals for general engineering roles...
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Specialist General Engineering RecruitmentATA Recruitment is a leading engineering recruitment company in the UK, specialising in sourcing high-calibre professionals for general engineering roles...
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Special Purpose Machinery Recruitment ExpertsATA Recruitment is a specialist in design and projects recruitment for the special purpose machinery sector. We understand the bespoke nature of this i...
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Expert Engineering Recruiter for the Process Engineering IndustryAt ATA Recruitment, we are proud to be a specialist engineering recruiter for the UK's process engineering sector. With nearly two d...
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Leading Automotive RecruitmentATA Recruitment is a trusted and experienced automotive recruitment company delivering high-performing engineering and technical talent into the heart of the UK aut...
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Specialist Aerospace Recruiter for Engineering TalentATA Recruitment is a trusted aerospace recruiter with proven expertise in sourcing top engineering talent for one of the UK's most complex and ...
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Specialist Food Manufacturing RecruitmentATA Recruitment is a leading food manufacturing recruitment agency with decades of experience supporting the UK's most dynamic and demanding FMCG environme...
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Warehouse Automation Recruitment SpecialistsAs the warehouse automation sector has rapidly evolved, ATA Recruitment has grown alongside it - developing strong partnerships with both OEMs and many ...
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Construction Materials Manufacturing RecruitmentATA Recruitment is a specialist recruitment partner for the construction materials manufacturing sector. For over a decade, we’ve supported leading ...
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Transitioning Military Skills into Civilian CareersMilitary service instils a range of transferable skills, including leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. At ATA Re...
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Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Location: Commutable from Evesham, Cheltenham, Worcester Contract: 3-Month Rolling Contract Shifts: 4 on 4 off – 12hr Days only Rate: £33p/h - £35p/h – Outside IR35 The Role: We’re looking for a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join a busy food manufacturing site on a 3-month rolling contract. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machinery is running smoothly and efficiently across the site. Day-to-day responsibilities will include: Reactive maintenance and mechanical fault finding on a range of packaging machinery Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Component swaps and repairs on equipment such as conveyors, packaging machinery, cookers, slicers, pallets, and more The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Solid mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment A recognised mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ/equivalent) Strong fault-finding and repair skills across a range of mechanical components A completed mechanical apprenticeship (preferred) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-month contract 4 on 4 off shift pattern – 12hr days only Minimum 42 hours per week £33p/h - £35ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available I am looking to speak to talented Mechanical Maintenance Engineers who are seeking a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Fred O’Reilly on 07827 918 324 or email your CV to fred.oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk, Recruitment Specialist at ATA Recruitment. ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and General Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website - By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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** Project Manager** Ellesmere Port / Chester / Liverpool / Crewe / Wrexham £400.00 - £450.00p/d DOE – Outside IR35 Mechanical / Electrical / Software / Food / Process I am currently recruiting for an experienced Contract Project Manager, for an initial 6-month contract, with the likelihood of long-term extensions. Due to an influx of projects, they are looking for an Contract Project Manager to join their team on a contracts basis to assist on key projects. For the position of Project Manager, you will require to conduct the following daily duties: Coordinate Mechanical, Electrical, and Software divisions for multiple work packages Ensure all work packages are delivered on time and within budget Monitor and control project costs to ensure the project remains within budget Act as the main point of contact for clients, providing regular updates Identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle The successful Project Manager will need to have the following attributes: Strong background in managing mechanical, electrical, and software projects Apprentice trained ideally to NVQ L3/HNC Electrical Engineering In depth Food Industry projects & site experience A strong communicator, organised, flexible mindset, strive for excellence Commutable to the Cheshire / Wrexham area The benefits of this position: A highly reputable project-based manufacturing business Project scope within the business (long term work for the right candidate) Outside IR35 – Limited company suitable I am looking to speak to talented contract Project Managers who are looking for a rewarding and challenging technical position. For more information on this please contact Dom Firth, Recruitment Consultant (dom.firth@ata-recruitment.co.uk) at ATA Recruitment. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Role: Maintenance Engineer Shift: Panama days and Nights Location: Wellham Green Salary: £50,000, Plus Private Healthcare, Training and development My Client ATA Recruitment are proud to be working with one of the largest automated logistics companies in the world. They are a systems integrator in the warehousing industry, they are responsible for the design, manufacturing, installation and the maintenance of all automation on their sites across the UK. With a national turnover of over £100 million and a global turnover of £1bn joining my client will provide you with security and longevity as they are continuously growing year on year. At this site in Wellham Green they are looking for a new resident engineer to join the team and help the site continue to stride and hit their consistent success levels and help the right individual grow their career within the business Your Role Within your role as a Maintenance Engineer: - You will be responsible for all the automation on site including various conveyor systems, Automated Cranes, Strappers, Shuttles and Hanging Garment systems - Mechanically you will be responsible for working on Gearboxes, Motors, Pneumatic systems, fault finding and replacing like for like components - Electrically you will be responsible for working on Sensors, Motors, panels, electrical drawings and three phase kit - On a PLC you will be checking I/Os but wont have access to much more due to remote support from the client What you need? For a Maintenance Engineer you will need: - A recognised engineer qualification - A confident communicator - Someone who can work Independently when needed but also with a shift partner on bigger roles - A motivated engineer who is looking to grow and develop within a company - Be able to work electrically and mechanically confident Salary and Package As a Maintenance Engineer you will be receiving: - An annual salary of £50,000 – whilst having every other weekend off - A very healthy pension match and contribution from my client - Private healthcare plus Dental Cover, Optical Cover and Audiometry cover too (for a small cost as well there is an option for immediate family) - Training and development – on a route that you choose depending on your personal aspirations within the engineering industry and the site - A full training matrix provided to assure you have a full understanding of the role before moving onto shift ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer – Days Only Location: Worksop Salary: £50,100 + Profit-Related Pay Shift: Panama 6am–6pm, off every other weekend Benefits: Healthcare | Pension (7% matched) | Training & Development I’m looking for a skilled Maintenance Engineer to join the team at a busy factory. As a Maintenance Engineer, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that all electrical and mechanical machinery runs smoothly and efficiently, minimising downtime and maximising productivity. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team of maintenance engineers who work closely together on a day-to-day basis. The Company Join a leading global food manufacturer with over 120 years of success. Family-owned and trusted by all the major UK retailers, our client is a large multi-site production company with a turnover of over £1bn — and ambitious plans for further growth in the coming years. Multiple sites across the UK Major investment in new production lines, driving towards automation Expanding engineering team due to growth This is your chance to be part of a business that values people, invests heavily in technology, and offers real career development. The Role As a Maintenance Engineer, you’ll play a key role in keeping production running smoothly. Your focus will be on fault finding and repairing electrical & mechanical issues across high-speed production lines. Electrical: sensors, relays, safety circuits, 3-phase motors, inverters, switches & panels PLC: checking inputs/outputs, ladder logic, uploading & downloading programs Mechanical: bearings, motors, belts, blades, and like-for-like replacements Work will mainly be reactive maintenance – no two days are the same You Will Have A recognised electrical qualification (NVQ Level 3, BTEC, ONC, C&G) Experience as a Maintenance Engineer A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a positive, can-do attitude Why Join? Competitive £50,100 salary + Profit-Related Pay Days only (off every other weekend) Ongoing training and development opportunities Be part of a growing engineering team with long-term prospects Interested? If you’re interested in this role, please apply online or send your CV to andy.crewe@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis. For more opportunities like this one, visit our website. By applying, you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice, which can be found on our website. REF: Maintenance Engineer ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Commutable from Evesham, Cheltenham, Worcester 3-Month Rolling Contract 4 on 4 off– 12hr Days only £33ph – Outside IR35 The Role: We’re looking for a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join a busy food site on a 3-month rolling contract. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machinery is running smoothly and efficiently across the site. Day-to-day responsibilities will include: Reactive maintenance and mechanical fault finding on a range of packaging machinery Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Component swaps and repairs on equipment such as conveyors, cranes, cookers, slicers, pallets, and more The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Solid mechanical maintenance experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment A recognised mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ/equivalent) Experience within food A completed mechanical apprenticeship (preferred) What’s on Offer: Rolling 3-month contract Minimum 42 hours per week £33ph – Outside IR35 Immediate start available Interested? Contact Fred on 07827 918 324 or email Fred.Oreilly@ata-recruitment.co.uk At ATA Recruitment, we specialise in placing engineers across the UK. If this role isn’t quite right, check out our website for more opportunities that could be a better fit for your skills and experience: You must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Location: Rotherham Contract Length: 3 Months Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off (Days + Nights) Rate: £32-£34p/h (Outside IR35) Role Overview: We are looking for a skilled Maintenance Engineers to join our team on a 3-month contract. You will be responsible for maintaining mechanical equipment in a bakery environment to ensure smooth production processes. Key Responsibilities of a Maintenance Engineer: Carry out day-to-day mechanical maintenance in a FMCG Setting Working on Mechanical machinery such as conveyors, provers, check weighers, packaging machine, slicers etc Diagnose and repair mechanical issues promptly to avoid delays in production Ensure compliance with all site and industry standards Required Experience & Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical engineering or equivalent Proven experience in a food production Reliable, punctual, team player, and professional attitude Why Join? Work with an elite engineering team on high-profile food industry projects Outside IR35 Immediate start available I am looking to speak to talented maintenance engineers who are looking for a rewarding and challenging contract position. For more information, please contact Sam Martlew – Trainee Recruitment Specialist at ATA Recruitment. ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and General Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website - By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Managing Consultant Sector: Contract Recruitment (North) Location: Leeds Remuneration: £37,000 - £42,000 basic (DOE) + up to £5,000 car allowance, Uncapped Commission, Benefits Are you an experienced 360 recruiter with a track record of mentoring consultants who is ready to take that next step into leading a team? At ATA Recruitment, we’re looking for a Managing Consultant to lead our Contract Recruitment team in the North. This is more than running a desk - it’s about building, mentoring, and developing a team of consultants to deliver success in one of our most established markets. If you’ve thrived in 360 contract recruitment, love winning business, and have experience supporting others to achieve more, this role offers the platform to step into or strengthen your leadership career. The Role As a Managing Consultant, you’ll balance driving your own billings with leading and inspiring your team: Head up our Northern contract recruitment offering, inheriting warm client relationships and a strong market presence. Mentor, coach, and develop a team of recruitment consultants, ensuring they achieve their potential. Lead by example with your own 360 recruitment activity across engineering contract roles. Drive growth by strengthening existing client partnerships and identifying new opportunities. Create a high-performance culture built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. Work closely with senior leadership to shape the long-term strategy for the contract division. About You This role is suited to either: An established Managing Consultant who has already led and developed consultants. Or a senior/principal consultant with proven success in mentoring colleagues and now looking for their first formal step into leadership. You’ll also need: A proven track record in 360 contract recruitment (any sector considered). Strong business development skills with the ability to deepen client relationships. A natural leadership style that inspires confidence and brings out the best in others. A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Why ATA Recruitment? Uncapped Personal Commission: Earn on your own billings from day one with no moving goalposts. Team Commission: 5% of your team’s billings. Leadership Opportunity: A chance to head up the Northern contract team with a clear pathway into senior management. Autonomy and Support: Freedom to run your team and desk, backed by an experienced leadership group. Career Development: Structured leadership training and tangible progression opportunities. Part of a Bigger Network: As part of the RTC Group, ATA offers the stability, resources, and reputation of a well-established name in technical and engineering recruitment. Next Steps If you’re ready to take ownership of a team, grow a thriving contract division, and develop the next generation of recruitment talent, contact us for a confidential conversation about your future at ATA Recruitment. Ganymede is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Site Services Manager Leicester £60,000 - £63,000 Matched Pension Healthcare Bonus Are you an experienced leader with a passion for keeping manufacturing sites running safely and efficiently? We’re looking for a hands-on Site Services Manager to take ownership of facilities, maintenance, and engineering support at a busy manufacturing operation. The Role As Site Services Manager, you’ll lead a team of multi-skilled service engineers to deliver planned and reactive maintenance, site services, and statutory compliance across a fast-paced manufacturing facility. You’ll ensure critical infrastructure is maintained to support production, while driving continuous improvement in safety, reliability, and efficiency. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage, and develop a team of on-site service engineers. Oversee day-to-day facilities management, refrigeeration, site services, and infrastructure support. Plan, schedule, and deliver preventative and reactive maintenance to minimise downtime. Ensure compliance with all relevant HSE regulations, including LOLER and PUWER. Take responsibility for statutory inspections, records, and permits to work. Manage contractors and service providers working on site. Control budgets and deliver cost-effective maintenance solutions. Champion continuous improvement, reliability engineering, and safe systems of work. About You Proven experience in a site services, facilities, or maintenance leadership role within a manufacturing environment. Strong people management skills and experience leading engineering teams. Excellent knowledge of HSE legislation. Familiar with planned maintenance systems, statutory inspection regimes, and asset management. Organised, proactive, and solutions-focused, with a hands-on leadership style. Budget management and contractor management experience essential. Company An exciting opportunity has arisen to work for one of the UK's premier manufacturers. A true market leader within their field, they provide the highest quality products to all the major supermarkets and supply own label and branded. This company is a highly successful business with a group turnover over £1billion. As a company, they have experienced huge organic growth but have also acquired other brands over the years. At present, the business is looking to develop its services function through investment, internal and external training and recruitment of new Engineers to enhance their expanding team. A competitive salary and benefits package. A supportive, safety-focused culture. Opportunities to shape and improve our site infrastructure. How to apply Please click “apply” or for further information, please contact Andy at ATA Recruitment in, or alternatively, email to andy.crewe@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in technical & engineering positions from entry level up to Director level appointments. Please look at our website for further potential opportunities which may suit your skills and experience. If you have the skills, we have the recruitment knowledge and together we can help find you your ideal job – ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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As part of our vision to bridge the skills gap through world-class recruitment and attraction methodologies, we provide a flexible, tailored workforce solution to meet the needs of businesses of any size. From ad-hoc permanent placements to high-volume temporary solutions and sensitive business-critical hires, ATA can help. For more information on our specific engineering recruitment services, click on the icons below.
2025 Half Year Maintenance Market Report With nearly 60 years’ experience delivering specialist recruitment solutions to the manufacturing and engineering sectors, ATA Recruitment is recognised as a trusted market leader. Our focus has always been on providing high value services backed by industry insight. As part of this, we regularly share up to date market intelligence to support our clients in making informed hiring decisions.Now in its third consecutive year, our Half Year Maintenance Market Report continues to be an essential resource for employers navigating today’s fast moving market. First introduced to provide more agile reporting alongside our long running Annual Maintenance Report, now in its ninth year, this edition offers an up to date view of current trends and salary benchmarks.The 2025 Half Year Report is based on data collected from a broad range of UK businesses, from SMEs to large blue chip companies, operating across sectors such as Food Manufacturing, Automated Distribution, FMCG, Construction Materials and General Manufacturing.We hope this report provides a useful benchmark for your maintenance recruitment plans. If you would like to discuss the insights in more detail or explore how they relate to your business, please get in touch with our specialist team.Download the Half Year Maintenance Salary Report 2025Get in touch with us here
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IR35 Made Simple: What Engineering Employers Need to Know in 2025Engineering Talent Shortages Are Pushing Employers Toward ContractorsIf you’re finding it difficult to recruit permanent Engineers, you’re not alone. Across the UK, engineering and manufacturing businesses are facing critical skills shortages, from Design and Automation Specialists to Electrical, Mechanical, and Project Engineers.As a result, many companies are turning to contract and interim solutionsto fill urgent gaps, meet project deadlines, and maintain productivity.But for employers new to contract recruitment, or returning after a few years away there’s one major question:How does IR35 affect us if we engage contractors?IR35: What You Need to Know (Without the Jargon)The IR35 off-payroll rules changed in April 2021 for the private sector. That means for the last 4 years, medium and large businesses like yours have had to determine the tax status of any contractor working through a limited company (also called a personal service company or PSC).Here are the key points:You Are ResponsibleIf your business meets two or more of the following:£10.2M+ annual turnover£5.1M+ on your balance sheetMore than 50 employees...then you must assess IR35 status for each contractor engagement.You Must Issue an SDSA Status Determination Statement is a legal requirement. It outlines whether the contractor is “inside” or “outside” IR35, and why.Take “Reasonable Care”HMRC expects you to make fair, well-informed decisions. Blanket assessments or rushed calls put you at risk of tax liability and penalties.IR35 Shouldn’t Stop You From Hiring Great ContractorsIR35 is manageable, with the right partner.At ATA Recruitment we specialise in contract and interim recruitment for engineering and manufacturing businesses. If you're new to IR35 or unsure how to engage contractors correctly, we’re here to make the process smooth, compliant, and low-risk.How We Help You Stay Compliant and ConfidentWe don’t just place contractors, we guide you through the full IR35 journey, including:IR35 education and guidance tailored to your businessAssistance in producing compliant SDS documentationAccess to vetted, IR35-aware contractorsUse of umbrella company options, where appropriateAdvice on contract structure and working practicesAnd it doesn’t stop once the contractor starts.Ongoing Contractor Aftercare = Long-Term ComplianceOur aftercare service ensures you stay compliant throughout the engagement, not just at the start. We’ll:Regularly check in with both you and the contractorFlag any changes that might affect IR35 statusSupport renewal processes and extensionsHelp you remain audit-ready for HMRC inspectionsSolve Your Engineering Resourcing Challenge - Without IR35 HeadachesIf you need skilled Engineers but can’t hire them permanently, contractors could be your best route forward.Let us manage the recruitment and the compliance, so you can focus on results, not red tape.Ready to explore contract solutions?Book your free IR35 & Contractor Strategy Call today Speak with our specialist team on 0116 216 7000 or complete the form below to get started.
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How to Make Management Aspirational Again in Engineering and ManufacturingMore than half of UK employees in middle management roles and below do not see management as an aspirational career path, according to recent research.For engineering and manufacturing companies, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As demand for strong leadership increases, now is the time to reshape how management is viewed and make it a genuinely appealing next step for your people.The good news is this: employees are not rejecting leadership entirely. Many are open to it if the right support, guidance and development are in place.Why Some Employees Are Hesitant About the Management Career PathThere are several common reasons professionals hold back from becoming managers:Limited exposure to strong leadership examplesA lack of structured management development supportConcerns about stress or losing work life balanceUncertainty about future growth beyond their first promotionThese concerns are valid, especially in technically focused environments. But they can be addressed. Employers who take a proactive approach can build confidence in leadership and encourage more aspiring managers to step forward.Five Ways Employers Can Inspire Aspiring ManagersHere are five actions employers can take to make the management career path attractive, achievable and rewarding.1. Give Employees Early Exposure to LeadershipIntroduce opportunities to lead projects, mentor colleagues or coordinate teams even before someone becomes a formal manager. These real world experiences help employees build confidence and understand what leadership involves.2. Invest in Targeted Management Development SupportDo not wait until someone is promoted to start training them. Offer practical training that includes communication skills, people management, decision making and problem solving. This is especially important in engineering leadership roles, where technical skills alone are not enough.3. Highlight the Positive Impact of Great ManagersEngineering and manufacturing teams often focus on outputs and performance. Help employees see that effective managers create better work environments, support career growth and directly contribute to long term success. Show the human side of leadership.4. Offer Flexible Career PathwaysCreate separate pathways for technical experts and leadership roles so that becoming a manager feels like a meaningful choice rather than a forced promotion. When employees pursue management out of interest and ambition, everyone benefits.5. Provide Ongoing Support for New ManagersOnce someone becomes a manager, continue supporting them. Regular coaching, leadership peer groups and ongoing development are essential. The first twelve to eighteen months are critical for building confidence and long term effectiveness.Let Us Help You Build Your Leadership PipelineAt ATA Search, we specialise in executive search and leadership strategy for engineering and manufacturing. If you're looking to develop future managers or strengthen your current leadership team, we’re here to help.Through our Team Evaluation Assessments, powered by Thomas International, you'll gain complete clarity on your team's emotional intelligence, behavioural traits and leadership potential. Whether you're hiring or planning ahead, you'll know exactly what your team needs to grow.Build confident leaders. Shape a stronger future.
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Why the Human Factor Still Matters in Leadership RecruitmentAI in Recruitment Is Helpful but Not EnoughRecruitment technology has come a long way. In 2025, we can say that artificial intelligence is commonly utilised within the hiring process. Recruiters often use purpose-built tools that include AI systems to assist with tasks like scanning CVs and identifying key patterns. But when it comes to hiring leaders, especially in engineering and manufacturing, technology cannot do everything. AI can help narrow down a list of candidates, but it cannot judge important qualities like resilience, communication skills, or whether someone will fit well with your company’s way of working.Good Leadership Is About More Than SkillsHiring someone for a senior role is not just about ticking boxes. Leaders in technical industries must guide teams, solve problems, manage change, and think ahead. These are not things that can be measured by a computer.The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 says leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem solving are among the most valuable skills for employers. These are not things AI can fully understand. They require human judgement and experience.Why Personality and Company Fit Still MatterSomeone may look great on their CV but might not work well with your team. Success in leadership often depends on how well someone fits your company culture, how they speak and lead others, and how they handle challenges. These are hard to spot with AI alone.In engineering and manufacturing, the wrong leadership hire can lead to missed deadlines, lower team morale, and costly mistakes. A skilled recruiter can spot small signs during conversations and interviews that a computer might miss.Blending Data with Human JudgementTools like personality tests and skill assessments are helpful. They give clear information about how a person thinks, communicates, and works under pressure. But to understand the full picture, you still need a human expert who can explain what the results mean for your business.Experienced recruiters know what to look for in a leader. They can tell if someone not only has the skills, but also the right attitude and approach to succeed in your company. The best hiring decisions come from using data and human insight together.How ATA Search Helps You Hire Exceptional LeadersATA Search works with engineering and manufacturing businesses to find top leaders who can succeed in demanding technical roles. We use our industry knowledge and tools from Thomas International to understand a person’s behaviour, thinking style, personality, and emotional strengths.If you are looking to hire a Head of Engineering, Plant Director, or Technical Sales Leader, we go beyond the CV. We help you make clear, confident hiring decisions based on more than just experience. Our goal is to help you find leaders who will succeed not just today but in the long term.Ready to find your next great leader?Contact ATA Search today. Let us help you hire with clarity, accuracy, and confidence.Reach out to us today by filling out the form below.
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ATA Recruitment at the CTP Employment Fair: Supporting Forces Leavers and Closing the UK Skills GapWe recently attended the CTP Employment Fair in Lincoln, further strengthening our commitment to supporting ex forces professionals and helping UK manufacturers address the growing engineering skills gap.As demand for technical talent continues to rise across the manufacturing sector, finding skilled, reliable and adaptable individuals has become a top priority for employers. One of the most overlooked talent pools is the Ex-Forces community, highly trained professionals with transferable skills that are directly applicable to engineering and industrial environments. Why ATA Recruitment Attended the CTP Employment FairDirector Chris Addison and Recruitment Specialist Lewis Gardner represented ATA Recruitment at the event. It was an important opportunity to engage directly with service leavers and learn more about their aspirations as they transition into civilian careers.Chris Addison shared:"Our mission at ATA Recruitment is to help bridge the growing skills gap in UK manufacturing. As part of this plan, we are encouraging our customers to recruit from outside of their current marketplace. Taking on forces leavers is a fantastic option. As the number of our customers willing to do so continues to grow, we made the decision to attend the CTP event in Lincoln. We met so many great forces Engineers with strong qualifications and excellent transferable skills, many of which we will be passing on to the relevant customers."Recognising the Value of Ex Forces TalentThe event provided a chance to meet a range of former service personnel, individuals who possess not only technical expertise but also qualities such as resilience, discipline and leadership. These attributes are highly sought after across sectors including General Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace, Food and FMCG, Warehouse Automation and Special Purpose Machinery.Lewis Gardner commented:"Meeting so many talented individuals who have served in the Armed Forces was a privilege. The technical skills and mindset they bring can add real value to businesses across the UK."A Long Term Vision for Forces RecruitmentMilitary service develops a skillset that is perfectly aligned with the needs of UK industry, from problem solving and process discipline to hands on engineering capability. At ATA Recruitment, we aim to act as the bridge between forces leavers and employers who can benefit from their experience.We provide personalised support to help service leavers identify roles that match their skills and career goals, while also educating clients on the benefits of hiring from this talent pool. The result is a more diverse, skilled and future ready workforce for the sectors that keep the UK economy moving.Let’s Build the Future TogetherIf you are an employer seeking to address long term skills shortages, or a forces leaver preparing for your next career step, ATA Recruitment is here to support you. We are passionate about creating opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses, and we believe connecting ex forces professionals with industry is a vital part of that vision. Get in touch today by filling out the form below to discover how we can help you strengthen your team or successfully transition into a new career.
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Why Engineers Are in Demand in the UK Food and FMCG Manufacturing SectorsThe food and drink industry is the UK’s largestmanufacturing sector. For Engineers exploring new opportunities, jobs in food and FMCG offer more than just career stability, they offer innovation, impact, and real-world problem-solving at scale. Right now, maintenance engineering opportunities in this sector are especially strong, with employers investing heavily in skilled talent to keep operations efficient, safe, and future-ready. At ATA Recruitment, maintenance engineering is at the core of what we do, we place skilled professionals into key roles with some of the biggest and most respected employers in the UK food industry.Here’s why a career in food or FMCG manufacturing might be the ideal move for ambitious Engineers.1. Cutting-Edge Innovation Every DayThe food and FMCG industries are fast-paced environments where innovation is essential. Maintenance Engineers play a key role in keeping this innovation running smoothly, by ensuring equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and supporting the integration of new technologies. Engineers in these sectors are helping to:Develop automated production lines to improve efficiencyCreate sustainable packaging that reduces environmental impactImprove food safety and shelf-life using advanced processing technologyIn 2024, the UK government has outlined a £2 billion plan using engineering biology to revolutionise food and sustainability efforts, highlighting the demand for engineering talent that can drive progress. 2. Make a Global ImpactFood is a universal need, and UK manufacturers export more than £23 billion in food and drink products annually. Engineers in the sector contribute to:Tackling food security and nutrition challengesSupporting sustainable agriculture and distribution practicesEnsuring the safety and quality of products consumed globallyWhen you work in food or FMCG engineering, you’re not just keeping production lines moving, you’re helping feed the world.3. Work Across Disciplines and Expand Your SkillsetIn food manufacturing, Engineers collaborate with professionals in:Biology and chemistry (for product development and food preservation)Technology and data analytics (for process control and predictive maintenance)Supply chain and logistics (for efficiency improvements)This cross-functional exposure makes Engineer jobs in food and FMCG perfect for those who enjoy learning and adapting.4. Career Stability and Strong DemandThe food industry is essential and that means it's more resistant to economic shifts. It currently employs over 440,000 people in the UK, with engineering talent in high demand. Maintenance Engineers are especially sought after for their ability to keep production environments running efficiently around the clock.According to our Insights Report 2024, typical salaries for Engineers in the sector are:RoleAverage Salary (UK, 2024)Maintenance Engineer£42,000 - £55,000Project Engineer£45,000 - £55,000Process Engineer£40,000 - £52,000Engineering Manager£55,000 - £75,0005. Stay on the Right Side of RegulationFood and drink manufacturing is highly regulated to ensure safety and traceability. Engineers are central to:Designing processes that meet Food Standards Agency requirementsImplementing HACCP and ISO standardsAuditing systems for continuous complianceThis adds a level of rigour and responsibility to engineering roles, ideal for those who thrive under clear frameworks.6. Explore a Variety of Engineering Career PathsThere’s no one-size-fits-all career in FMCG and food engineering. Engineers can specialise in:MaintenanceResearch & Development (R&D)Production and AutomationQuality AssuranceHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)Supply Chain OptimisationThis diversity allows Engineers to pivot within the industry, gaining experience across different departments and technical challenges.7. Drive the Sustainability AgendaThe food industry is under pressure to reduce environmental impact. Engineers are at the core of:Cutting food wasteImproving energy efficiencyDesigning greener packagingIn 2024, the industry committed to cutting food waste by 20% and slashing energy consumption across production lines. Engineers with sustainability knowledge are in high demand.Ready to Explore Engineer Jobs in Food or FMCG?If you're an Engineer looking to apply your skills in a future-focused, globally relevant, and innovation-driven industry, food and FMCG manufacturing is a strong career move. Maintenance Engineers, in particular, are in high demand to keep production lines efficient, safe, and running smoothly.At ATA Recruitment, we connect Engineers with top employers in the UK’s thriving food and FMCG sectors. Whether you're seeking a permanent, executive, or contract role, we can help you find the right fit.Search our latest Engineer jobs in food and FMCG now, or speak to one of our specialist consultants.
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