Maintenance Engineer at PepsiCo Leicester – Powering Walkers Crisps Production

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, with iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Walkers crisps delighting consumers worldwide. In the UK, PepsiCo's Leicester facility stands as a cornerstone of innovation and efficiency, producing one of the nation's favourite snacks: Walkers crisps. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing site employs cutting-edge technology to ensure high-quality production while prioritising sustainability and employee well-being. As a Maintenance Engineer at PepsiCo Leicester, you'll join a dynamic team committed to operational excellence in the fast-paced FMCG sector. With a focus on safety, continuous improvement, and world-class manufacturing, PepsiCo offers unparalleled opportunities for skilled engineers to thrive.

Role Overview

The Maintenance Engineer role at PepsiCo Leicester is a hands-on position ideal for skilled electricians and mechanics passionate about keeping production lines running seamlessly. You'll support the manufacturing of Walkers crisps, ensuring equipment reliability and efficiency. This full-time role follows a continental shift pattern: 4 days on, 4 days off, averaging 42 hours per week across 12-hour rotating shifts (07:00-19:00 days and 19:00-07:00 nights), including weekends and bank holidays. Base salary is £59,306.05 including shift premium, plus quarterly performance bonuses ranging from £325 to £750. Enjoy comprehensive benefits like doubled pension contributions, extended family leave, and exclusive perks. If you're seeking a rewarding career in food manufacturing with PepsiCo, this is your chance to apply now.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical role, you'll maximise equipment uptime through proactive maintenance and technical expertise. Key responsibilities include:

• Executing manufacturing maintenance activities in your area, prioritising wrench time while adhering to strict safety protocols.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to enhance processes and efficiency.
• Providing valuable feedback to planners and leadership to optimise maintenance schedules, frequencies, and parts planning.
• Performing pre- and post-maintenance quality checks to uphold production standards.
• Managing lubrication mapping and execution, while supporting lubricant simplification and rationalisation efforts.
• Training the autonomous maintenance team on equipment knowledge, basic Clean-Inspect-Lubricate routines, and fault diagnostics.
• Leading root cause analysis sessions and delivering technical expertise to resolve complex issues.
• Promoting and upholding strong 5S standards across the plant for a safe, organised workspace.

These duties ensure PepsiCo Leicester maintains its reputation for reliable, high-volume snack production.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as a Maintenance Engineer at PepsiCo, candidates need proven technical skills and a proactive mindset. Essential qualifications include:

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent engineering apprenticeship with substantial hands-on experience.
• Recognised electrical or mechanical academic qualification.
• Strong mechanical knowledge and familiarity with CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems) and SCADA systems.
• Solid understanding of equipment and technical standards.
• A strong sense of ownership for safety, quality, and performance.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and good communication abilities.

PepsiCo values candidates who thrive in shift-based environments and are committed to continuous learning. Note: For certain roles, declaration of unspent criminal convictions may be required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, treated in strict confidence.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo Leicester offers an exceptional compensation package designed to reward your expertise and dedication:

• Competitive annual salary of £59,306.05, inclusive of shift premium.
• Quarterly performance bonuses from £325 to £750.
• Generous pension scheme: Contribute 5%, PepsiCo adds 10%.
• Extended fully paid family leave: 10 weeks parental leave and 26 weeks extended leave.
• Provided PPE: Uniforms and safety shoes, cleaned and maintained on-site.
• Health and wellness: 24-hour online GP for you and family, free virtual physiotherapy, discounted gym membership.
• Lifestyle perks: Critical illness cover, electric car scheme, staff shop with PepsiCo product discounts, day off on your birthday, option to buy/sell holiday leave, long service rewards.

These benefits reflect PepsiCo's commitment to employee satisfaction in the competitive food and beverage sector.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, your career is a priority. As a Maintenance Engineer, you'll gain exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, leadership opportunities in continuous improvement, and pathways to senior engineering or management roles. Our PDCA-driven culture fosters skill development through training, cross-functional projects, and mentorship. Many team members advance to roles like Reliability Engineer, Maintenance Supervisor, or Site Engineering Manager. PepsiCo invests in your growth with internal promotions, leadership programs, and access to global expertise, ensuring long-term success in Leicester and beyond.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo Leicester means being part of a world-class team producing beloved Walkers crisps while enjoying premium pay, shifts that balance work and life, and benefits that set us apart. Work in a safety-first environment with cutting-edge equipment, collaborate with top talent, and contribute to sustainable practices. Leicester's vibrant location offers excellent connectivity, and PepsiCo's global backing provides stability. With our inclusive culture and focus on performance, this Maintenance Engineer role is perfect for ambitious professionals seeking impact in the FMCG industry.

Role FAQs

What shift pattern does this role follow?

Continental shifts: 4 days on/4 off, 12-hour rotations between days (07:00-19:00) and nights (19:00-07:00), including weekends and holidays, averaging 42 hours/week.

What is the salary and bonus structure?

£59,306.05 annually including shift premium, plus quarterly bonuses of £325-£750 based on performance.

Are there training opportunities?

Yes, you'll train others and receive ongoing development in CMMS, SCADA, PDCA, and more.

What benefits stand out?

Doubled pension, extended family leave, 24/7 GP, gym discounts, electric car scheme, and product discounts.

How do I apply?

Submit your application now – we're eager to hear from skilled Maintenance Engineers!