Planning Engineer

RUTH WAGSTAFF RECRUITMENT LIMITED; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a proactive Planning Engineer for a high-volume food manufacturing business in Poole. This role focuses on managing planned maintenance, implementing asset care strategies, and driving continuous improvement. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and experience in a fast-paced environment. Company offers competitive salary and benefits including a wellness platform and volunteering days.

Benefits

Online benefits platform with retail discounts

Personalized learning via LMS

Two paid volunteering days per year

24/7 support via Grocery Aid

Financial wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (BSc, HND, HNC) required.
• At least 2 years in a food manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment preferred.
• Strong communicator able to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage scheduled maintenance activities.
• Champion SHE compliance and culture across the engineering function.
• Lead CI initiatives across engineering, plant, and process operations.

Skills

Maintenance Planning

CMMS Management

Data Analysis

Health and Safety Compliance

Continuous Improvement

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMMS systems

Job description

Location: PooleContract: Permanent, Full TimeHours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pmSalary: £42,000 per annum + Benefits

Wagstaff Recruitment & Careers Coaching is recruiting on behalf of a high-volume food manufacturing business for an experienced and proactive Planning Engineer. This is a key role in a fast-paced site, focused on engineering reliability, safety, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity for a Planning Engineer

This is a pivotal opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering team. As Planning Engineer, you will be responsible for managing planned maintenance, supporting project delivery, and driving data-led decisions to maximise site efficiency and uptime.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Planning & CMMS Management

• Plan and manage scheduled maintenance activities.
• Prioritise engineering work requests in line with operational needs.
• Own and develop the site’s CMMS system to streamline workflow.
  
  

Asset Care & Reliability

• Support the implementation of the Asset Care strategy.
• Use RCM methodologies to reduce downtime and enhance reliability.
• Identify opportunities to increase long-term equipment performance.
  
  

Health, Safety & Environment (SHE)

• Champion SHE compliance and culture across the engineering function.
• Ensure risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly.
• Challenge unsafe behaviours and practices.
  
  

Resource & Financial Management

• Forecast resource, parts, and material needs for maintenance plans.
• Track and report engineering spend including downtime impact.
• Ensure manuals, tools, and diagnostics are available for all engineers.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Lead CI initiatives across engineering, plant, and process operations.
• Manage stakeholder communication and expectations effectively.
• Evaluate maintenance designs and support improvements through cost-benefit analysis.
  
  

Data Capture & Analysis

• Record and analyse downtime, costs, and failure rates.
• Identify recurring issues and support corrective actions using FMEA and RCA techniques.
  
  

Qualifications Required

• Degree or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (BSc, HND, HNC).
• Alternatively, time-served apprenticeship with relevant experience.
  
  

Desired Experience & Skills

• At least 2 years in a food manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment.
• Strong communicator able to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CMMS systems.
• Working knowledge of RCM, FMEA, and root cause analysis.
• Proactive approach to engineering improvement.
  
  

Company Benefits

• Online benefits platform with retail discounts
• Personalised learning via LMS and development programmes
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Access to 24/7 support via Grocery Aid (financial, practical, emotional)
• Physical and mental wellbeing tools
• Financial wellbeing services including mortgage and budget planning tools
• Holiday discounts and team events
  
  

Application Information

Upload your CV to apply or for an initial confidential chat, please contact Ruth at Wagstaff Recruitment & Careers Coaching. We’ll share more about the company and guide you through the opportunity.

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