Site Automation Engineer

Gist Limited; West of England; On-site; GBP 40,065 - 48,968; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

M&S discount

23 days annual leave

Healthcare plan

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

Training schemes

Cycle to work

Job summary

Gist Limited is recruiting a Site Automation Engineer for our Thornbury operation to maintain and optimise automated equipment, ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency within a fast-paced food logistics environment.

You will perform planned maintenance, respond to breakdowns, and diagnose faults while keeping clear records. An NVQ Level 3 in engineering or equivalent and a proactive, hands-on approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Maintenance planning and execution in line with schedules.
• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills to achieve first-time fixes.
• Experience maintaining automated equipment in fast-paced environments.
• Good record-keeping and documentation of all work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain site automation equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Carry out planned maintenance per schedules and manufacturer guidelines.
• Respond to breakdowns and complete reactive maintenance within agreed timescales.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and mechanical faults accurately.
• Communicate technical information clearly with teammates and managers.

Skills

Maintenance planning

Electrical & mechanical fault-finding

Fault diagnosis

Documentation

Education

NVQ Level 3 in engineering

Job description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

As a Site Automation Engineer you'll play a key role at the centre of our operation, where every action you take contributes to our customers enjoying their favourite M&S food.

Our operation in Thornbury is looking for candidates who can commit to a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, working 48 hours per an eight‑day period (excluding breaks) on a rotating shift pattern of 4 days 6:00 am and 6:00 pm and 4 nights 2:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Pay And Benefits

• £44,517 plus shift allowance and overtime premiums
• 4 on 4 off shift pattern

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 23 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (rising with length of service)
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first‑class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme
• Supportive Team: Join a close-knit community where collaboration is key

What You’ll Be Doing?

• Maintain site automation machine to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation, with some site works as required.
• Carry out planned maintenance in line with schedules and manufacturer guidelines.
• Respond to breakdowns and complete reactive maintenance to a high standard within agreed timeframes.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and mechanical faults accurately and effectively.
• Communicate technical information clearly with teammates and escalation issues to the appropriate managers when required.

What We’re Looking For?

• Hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering discipline (or equivalent).
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure all work is fully documented.
• Demonstrate strong diagnostic and fault‑finding skills to achieve first‑time fixes.
• Ideally have experience working in a fast‑paced distribution or manufacturing environment.
• Possess a solid understanding of general engineering principles.

Why Join GIST?

At Gist, people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to create an environment where colleagues feel supported, valued, and able to be themselves.

Working in partnership with M&S, we’re helping shape the future of retail logistics — and we want great people to be part of that journey.