• Uttoxeter biscuit makers Elkes urging engineers across the galaxy to consider joining the sweet treat supremo
• Company now partnering with external engineering training provider to guarantee multi-skilled opportunities as the firm looks to grows its massive 2.5 billion biscuit yearly output by almost 50 per cent
• Attractive relocation packages available for the right candidates

Leading manufacturer Elkes Biscuits is looking to capitalise on its growth plans by seeking new engineering recruits from across the galaxy to ensure the Uttoxeter factory can increase its output by almost 50 per cent over the next 12 months.

The booming biscuit maker has a pressing need for engineering experts to ensure the machinery is maintained in tip top condition to accommodate the growth plans – and are seeking candidates from all places.

The current product range includes own label biscuit favourites like custard creams, and chocolate malted milks, legendary ‘nostalgia’ brands like Nice biscuits and premium retailer chocolatey custard and bourbon creams.

Elkes Biscuits General Manager Kevin Hand said: “All 620 colleagues here are valued for the part they play in making great biscuits, and we’ve worked out we have a massive 7000 years of experience between us all.

“But when you’re making 53 million individual biscuits every week, we need to ensure our kit is running smoothly and will be able to take the ramp up in capacity. That’s why our engineering team is so vitally important and we would like to take on more with this particular skill set.”

Kevin explained the business is looking to take on at least one electrical engineer and two technicians, and will consider taking on more multi skilled engineers if the right quality candidates come forward. Successful applicants would be offered a flexible shift system and work hand-in-hand with operations teams.

Elkes is offering some attractive benefits for those that want to join the crew.

UK candidates needing to move closer to the factory get a reimbursement of up to £8000 for relocation purposes. Overseas recruits can benefit from Elkes’ Sponsorship Licence which grants permission to an organisation to sponsor workers with specific skills.  Depending on the duration of the sponsorship license, this can result in the individual being sponsored ultimately having permanent right to remain in the UK. Sponsored recruits also get support funding for two months to help them settle in the area.

Elkes’ HR Manager Deb Shenton added: “We have brought many engineers through the apprentice route to having a permanent full time engineering role with Elkes Biscuits and it’s really satisfying to see this internal progression and careers blossoming.

“We are partnering with an external engineering training company to ensure individual training pathways for all our engineering colleagues, as part of the Elkes Engineering Academy, guaranteeing true multi-skilled opportunities. This is something we’re very proud of.”

“We have some excellent examples of career progression and there’s growth opportunities in engineering specifically, including apprentices, electrical engineers and technicians all the way up to Chief Engineer.”

Deb also explained in addition to engineering roles, the company is on the hunt for a Health Safety & Environment Manager and Shift Manufacturing Managers.

Elkes has gone from strength-to-strength since it was saved from closure in March 2022 after being sold to the Boparan Private Office (BPO).

In September 2023, it announced plans to increase its workforce by more than 50 per cent following major investments and impressive sales growth. Major capital projects are also planned over the next three years.

Anyone interested in applying for a role should contact recruitment@elkesbiscuits.co.uk or call 07546 692514 or 01889 563131 and ask for the HR Team.