Process Technician

Kepak Group; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food company in Merthyr Tydfil is seeking a Process Technician to ensure the smooth operation of meat slicing and packing lines. This role involves equipment setup, troubleshooting, and driving process improvements. The ideal candidate will have a background in food manufacturing, strong mechanical and electrical skills, and a commitment to safety and quality. Competitive benefits include training programs and pension contributions.

Benefits

Company Pension

Training and Development

Employee Discount Platform

Refer a Friend Scheme

Bike to Work Scheme

Subsidised Canteen

Free Car Parking

Long Service Awards

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Background in food manufacturing, preferably meat processing.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Comfortable with automated/semi-automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Configure and calibrate production lines for daily operations.
• Provide technical support to production teams.
• Identify and implement process improvements.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Education

Technical qualification in Engineering or related field

2+ years in a manufacturing environment

Tools

High-speed slicing equipment

High-speed tray sealers

Digital systems knowledge

Job description

Overview

Kepak is a global food company serving international retailers and food service household names with prime cuts of meat, on-trend food concepts and ready-for-market convenience foods. Our meat is sourced primarily from quality assured farms and our beef and lamb are pasture-grazed for most of the year. Be it fresh meat crafted by our master butchers (such as McIntosh Donald and St.Merryn) or our famous brands (such as Rustler’s, Big Al’s and John Stone), we offer a total foodservice solution with the premium quality our customers demand.

Overview – Red Meat UK (RMUK) Division: Kepak Red Meat UK (consisting of our two brands; St Merryn and McIntosh Donald), operates from three sites within the UK. McIntosh Donald, in Aberdeen has the capacity to slaughter 2,500 lambs and 1,800-2000 cattle per week. St. Merryn in Merthyr Tydfil has combined beef and lamb processing and packing facilities, with the capacity to slaughter 20,000 lambs and 2,000 cattle per week while our second St. Merryn site in Bodmin, Cornwall has the capacity to slaughter 1,500 cattle per week. We have dedicated retail packing capabilities within our business and offer beef and lamb products ranging from retail ready cuts for butchers’ counters to branded packaged meat, all as part of our service.

Our People & Our Culture: Our founder, Noel Keating, was a second-generation master butcher and his entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Kepak. We are, to this day, family-owned and run, which creates an open, positive, and genuinely welcoming working environment. In a challenging and dynamic environment, our philosophy is always to be ‘more than’. We are more than tradition, more than quality, more than meat and more than a job.

Role Summary

The Process Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of meat slicing and packing lines. This hands-on technical position supports production by setting up, maintaining, and optimizing equipment, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role contributes directly to product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Line Setup & Optimization: Configure and calibrate production lines for daily operations. Fine-tune equipment to maximize throughput and minimize waste. Monitor performance and proactively resolve issues.
• Engineering Support: Provide technical support to production teams. Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related faults. Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to resolve complex issues.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Document changes and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Maintenance Activities: Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance. Maintain accurate records of interventions and equipment performance. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with Production Operators, Quality Technicians, and Engineers. Participate in team meetings, shift handovers, and performance reviews. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Beneficial Equipment Experience (advantageous): High-speed slicing and portioning equipment; High-speed tray sealers and thermoformers; High-speed weighing and labeling equipment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Background in food manufacturing, preferably meat processing.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and electro-technical skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP, BRC, COSHH).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Flexible, self-motivated, and responsive to production demands.
• Comfortable with automated/semi-automated equipment and digital systems.
• Proficient in English for verbal and written communication across teams and systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Technical qualification in Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (e.g., HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3).
• 2+ years in a manufacturing or process engineering environment.
• Desirable: Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Six Sigma.
• Certifications such as: Level 3 Process Industry Manufacturing Technician; NVQ in Food Manufacturing Excellence; IOSH Managing Safely; Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Benefits

• Company Pension
• Training and Development
• Employee Discount Platform - WrkIt platform with discounts and cashback
• Refer a Friend Scheme - up to £500 for referrals
• Bike to Work Scheme - salary sacrifice option
• Subsidised Canteen - on-site dining options
• Free Car Parking - dedicated staff parking
• Long Service Awards
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program