Join Whitworths as a Project Design Engineer
Power Innovation. Deliver Results. Build the Future of Better Nutrition.
Are you a CAD-savvy design engineer with a passion for hands-on problem solving and end-to-end project delivery? Do you want to see your ideas come to life in a high-impact, purpose-led business? If so, Whitworths wants to hear from you.
Ready to take your engineering skills from the drawing board to real-world impact? At Whitworths, we’re looking for a Project Design Engineer to lead critical site projects—from developing detailed electrical and mechanical designs to supporting hands-on installations that fuel our growth. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger: engineering that feeds the nation.
Your Mission
As our Project Design Engineer, you’ll bring energy, mechanical and electrical expertise, and precision to every stage of the project lifecycle. You’ll be trusted to design and deliver complex capital projects that improve efficiency, scale capacity, and support innovation across our food manufacturing site. From concept design and layout planning through to supporting installation, your designs will power Whitworths’ next phase of growth.
What You’ll Own
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Design with Precision: Create detailed mechanical and electrical layouts and specifications for electrical distribution systems for plant and equipment
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Be Hands-On: Actively support the installation of systems for new production lines and site equipment
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Work with the Best: Collaborate with suppliers to obtain competitive quotes and the right tech for the job
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Drive the Business Case: Prepare robust investment proposals, timelines, and cost breakdowns
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Own the Project Lifecycle: From concept to commissioning—develop critical paths, manage budgets, and hit milestones
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Lead Safely: Manage contractors, issue permits to work, and enforce high Health & Safety standards
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Track Progress: Keep everyone aligned with regular updates and clear reporting to the Head of Engineering
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Stay Organised: Maintain up-to-date project records, documentation, and administrative systems
Exciting Projects You’ll Help Power
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Implementation of advanced nut production lines and volumetric seed feeders
- Upgrades across site infrastructure—from roadways to electrical upgrades
- Installation of checkweighers, labellers, case tapers and other smart tech
- Supporting heat treatment technology for nuts
- New warehouse upgrade for increased storage facilities
- Site-wide review of jaws and tube filling capabilities
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
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Strong experience designing mechanical and electrical distribution systems for multi-supplier production lines
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Proven ability to deliver capital projects from concept to completion
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Familiarity with Health & Safety in an FMCG/manufacturing environment
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Proficiency with Microsoft Project and AutoCAD
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Confidence using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
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Financial awareness—able to plan, monitor and report against project budgets
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Exceptional organisational skills—able to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines
Nice-to-Haves: