Job Description

Locations: Chichester, United Kingdom

Categories: Operations

Position Type: ['Permanent Full-Time']

Req ID: 2805

Overview

Engineering Blade & Tooling Specialist | Merston | Chichester Food Park |

Due to rapid growth & increased production volumes, we are currently on the lookout for a reliable and hands-on Blade & Tooling Specialist to join our team at the Merston site in Chichester, West Sussex. This critical role supports the changing, inspection, maintenance, and safe handling of cutting blades used across our production lines. Quality products including Coleslaw & bagged salads are driven by having fully functioning blades delivering the very best cut style.

This role entails working Monday to Friday, days only across the following shift 8.00am-5.00pm & 7.00am-4.00pm.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Blade & Tooling Inspection & Maintenance:
• Perform regular inspections and basic maintenance of cutting blades & machinery tooling. Identify worn or damaged blades and carry out safe removal and replacement using appropriate hand tools.
• Blade Safety & Compliance:
• Ensure all activities involving blades are carried out safely using the correct equipment, following internal procedures and food safety standards. Support blade changeovers and cleaning in a way that minimizes risk and benefits longevity of the equipment.
• Project & Process Support:
• Support production and hygiene teams with blade-related activities during cleaning windows and shift changes. Suggest and implement improvements to blade performance, maintenance and safety protocols.
• Data and Record Keeping:
• Log blade changes, inspections, maintenance work, and any blade issues accurately into the relevant tracking systems. Contribute to root cause analysis when blade-related faults arise and communicate this to the relevant manager. Create mitigation plans where necessary to prevent reoccurring situations.
• Cross-Functional Support:
• Work closely with line leaders, hygiene teams, and shift managers to ensure cutting equipment runs efficiently and safely. Assist in troubleshooting blade-related downtime and report any non-conformance related actions
• Training & Mentorship:
• Share your knowledge and experience by training other team members in safe blade handling, storage, and cleaning practices

Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of safety procedures in a food production setting. Including handling sharp equipment, blade safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
• Good interdepartmental communication and teamwork skills
• Attention to detail, especially when identifying blade wear or mechanical issues
• Ability to follow processes and complete accurate records

What you get from us

• Life Assurance
• Employer matched pension
• Health cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Colleague discounts, e.g. Gym membership & shopping discounts
• Star Awards
• Flexibility in pay frequency each month
• Access to online GP
• Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

Natures Way Foods is leading manufacturer of prepared salads, coleslaw and “food-to-go” for supermarkets and retailers, and as such we work closely with farmers across Europe. But there’s lots more to us than the products we make.

Our culture is inclusive, and our people are diverse spanning 39 different languages. We operate four manufacturing facilities capable of producing over 326m units per year. Building on previous success, this year is set to be another exceptional year for our organisation. It is an exciting time to join Natures Way Foods as we are expanding our production lines and there is genuine opportunity to develop your skills and progress within the organisation.

What type of people succeed here?

We look for passionate people, with a can-do attitude and an ambition to succeed. We strive to help our people in channelling that passion into everything they do, because your success is our success! We love people who have high standards & lots of ideas, because we are always striving to improve, and we want you to help us do that.

Natures Way is a fun, fast and friendly environment where you will be surrounded by a passionate and dedicated team, who are committed to being the best at fresh. Apply now & join our family