Automation Engineer (Brighter Foods) | THG Manufacturing

Thehutgroup; Tywyn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

THG Manufacturing is seeking an Automation Engineer (Brighter Foods) to join our Tywyn, Wales site. You will design, program, and test automated machinery for a new factory, interrogate PLCs, and resolve faults while supporting 24/7 operations.

You will work on process logic, upskill peers, and provide hands-on electrical breakdown support. The role combines engineering rigour with practical plant floor responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with automated machinery in an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar), and experience with SQL, Python, or Java.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive approach to optimisation and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimise automated machinery to maximise uptime and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot, fault‑finding, and repair of automation and electrical systems.
• Design and implement automation solutions to improve production performance.
• Provide guidance and training to the wider engineering team.

Skills

PLC programming

SQL

Python

Java

Education

Engineering degree (Automation / Electrical)

Tools

Allen Bradley

Siemens

Job description

About THG

We are THG, a global ecommerce group on a mission to be the global online leader in beauty and sports nutrition.

Our portfolio of leading retailers and brands such as LOOKFANTASTIC, Myprotein, ESPA, Perricone MD, and Cult Beauty form our two core businesses: THG Beauty and THG Nutrition.

From Manchester to New York, we’re powered by a team of over 2500 people who work together, lead by example, and think BIG.

With us, you’ll go further, faster. What are you waiting for?

Automation Engineer (Brighter Foods) | THG Manufacturing

Location: Tywyn, Wales
Shift: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Salary: Competitive Salary
Reporting to: Engineering Manager

About the Role

We’re looking for a talented Automation Engineer to join our team at Brighter Foods X THG Manufacturing. This role will play a key part in the operation of our new automated factory, designing, programming, and testing automated machinery to ensure optimal performance and precision.

You’ll take ownership of automation systems, using your expertise to interrogate PLCs, identify and resolve faults, and enhance process logic. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you’ll also help develop and upskill team members to support the needs of a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

While the core hours are Monday to Friday, occasional out-of-hours support will be required. A strong electrical engineering background is essential, as you’ll also provide hands‑on support for electrical breakdowns and fault‑finding activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimise automated machinery to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.
• Conduct troubleshooting, fault‑finding, and repair of automation and electrical systems.
• Design and implement custom automation solutions to improve production performance.
• Deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Programme, configure, and integrate new equipment within existing control systems.
• Collaborate with OEMs and suppliers to enhance current automation processes.
• Provide technical guidance and training to support the wider engineering team.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with compliance requirements.
• Perform PLC and electrical diagnostics to identify and resolve system issues.

About You

• Proven experience working with automated machinery in an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar), and experience with SQL, Python, or Java.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to optimisation and reliability.
• Experience managing automation or engineering projects is advantageous.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to developing others and driving excellence.

If you’re passionate about automation, innovation, and driving operational excellence in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment — we’d love to hear from you.

THG is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

THG is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Because of the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application we receive within 14 days. If you haven't heard from us within that time frame or should you have any specific questions about this or other applications for positions at THG please contact one of our Talent team to discuss further.