Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer - UK's No.1 Soap FMCG

ZipRecruiter; Stepps; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading personal care manufacturer in Scotland is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to keep production lines running efficiently. The role offers a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and benefits including 33 days of holiday and a pension. The ideal candidate will have an HNC/HND in mechanical engineering and experience in high-speed manufacturing environments. Join a collaborative team driving sustainable manufacturing practices.

Benefits

Competitive market salary

33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays

Pension

Death in Service benefit of 3x basic salary

Income protection benefit after 1 year in role

Qualifications

• Proven mechanical engineer with hands-on experience in high-speed and high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience in GMP-regulated and hygiene-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform die changes and machine adjustments to meet production demands.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical faults quickly.
• Execute planned maintenance to drive performance.

Skills

Mechanical engineering expertise

Problem-solving mindset

Hands-on experience in manufacturing

Proficiency in pneumatic and hydraulic systems

Welding (MMA and MIG)

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

HNC/HND in mechanical engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMMS

Job description

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)

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