Salaries and Costs
Pay rates across Wigan reflect demand for round-the-clock output and the pull of nearby logistics hubs. Production operatives often earn between £11 and £13 per hour, depending on shift, line speed, and GMP requirements. Skilled roles such as CNC setter, toolmaker, or maintenance engineer can reach £16 to £22 per hour, with multi-skilled maintenance rising further for nights. Supervisors tend to be between £30,000 and £40,000, with production or engineering managers between £45,000 and £65,000, where continuous improvement is part of the brief. Staffing agencies and recruitment consultants usually charge permanent recruitment fees of 12% to 20% of the starting salary. Temp agency margins vary with volume and risk, often running 15% to 30%, with payrolled holiday and pension costs itemised on the invoice. A clear discussion of recruitment fees, agency costs, notice periods, and temp-to-perm terms at the outset reduces friction later.
Qualifications
Employers often look for NVQ or City and Guilds routes in Performing Engineering Operations, Mechanical Manufacturing, or Electrical Maintenance. A Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for entry-level roles. For shop floor driving, RTITB or ITSSAR forklift certificates remain common. IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General is valued for team leads in high-risk areas. Quality teams gain from training in ISO 9001, IATF 16949 for automotive supply, and basic internal auditing. Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt is a plus where waste reduction and OEE gains are tracked.
Regional or Geographic Variations
Wigan sits between Manchester and Liverpool with fast access to the M6, M61, and A580 East Lancs Road. That network widens the labour market but also raises competition for experienced hands. Sites near Martland Park, Westwood Park, and the A49 link draw candidates who favour reliable bus routes and secure parking. Plants in Kitt Green and Ince see steady interest from local jobseekers, yet late finishes can hinge on lift-sharing or shifts aligned to the first and last trains.
Hiring Challenges
The biggest pinch points tend to be multi-skilled maintenance, experienced CNC programmers, quality engineers, and shift leads who can keep lines stable through changeovers. Night shifts limit the pool for parents and learners, so retention can dip without fair premiums and set rotas. Some employers lose applicants when medicals, drug tests, or security vetting add extra weeks. Recruiters who pre-book inductions, handle site PPE notes, and keep candidates warm through that phase protect offer acceptance.
Entry Requirements
For entry-level production work, employers often ask for GCSE maths and English, good attendance, and the ability to pass a basic dexterity or colour vision check. Food and drink sites add hygiene training and pre-employment health questions. Engineering routes prefer a Level 3 diploma or an apprenticeship, but strong machine minders can step up with shadowing and job-specific upskilling. A clean right-to-work profile and recent references are always requested by employment firms.
Roles and Career Paths
Common job roles include packer, machine operator, assembler, FLT driver, fabricator/welder, CNC setter, quality inspector, production planner, and maintenance technician. With time on the line and short courses, workers can move into team leader posts, continuous improvement tech roles, or toolroom positions. Office paths span materials control, purchasing, and HSE support tied to the shop floor. Executive search is relevant for plant managers and heads of operations who can demonstrate throughput gains and stable audits.
Seasonal Trends or Themes
Food and drink lines often ramp up for summer and Christmas, which lifts demand for temporary contracts and weekend crews. Engineering firms plan maintenance shutdowns for the summer, bringing short bursts of work for fitters and electricians. Temp agencies help cover holiday peaks and hold reserve lists for late call-offs. Candidates who can switch shifts and hold current FLT or MEWP tickets stay busy across these windows.
Key Sectors or Employers in the Region
Wigan draws on a mix of food manufacturing, plastics, metal fabrication, packaging, and automotive supply. Large food production in Kitt Green anchors steady hiring for QA, maintenance, and process roles, with satellite suppliers feeding ingredients, tubs, and packaging. Smaller workshops across Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, and Leigh serve regional OEMs and logistics customers. Recruitment agencies in Wigan often group desks by sector to keep shortlists tight and site ready.
Regulatory or Compliance Standards
Right-to-work checks sit at the core of any hire. Agency partners should keep copies of IDs, visa conditions and share AWR day counts for temps. Food sites follow HACCP and BRCGS, and many ask for GMP briefings before starting. Heavy industry requires LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, and lockout/tagout procedures, so candidates must be ready to follow safe systems of work. Modern Slavery statements and supplier audits now feature in many onboarding packs.
Common Job Roles Agencies Recruit For
Manufacturing recruitment agencies in Wigan place operatives in packing, bottling, and assembly roles. They fill welders, fabricators, CNC setters, and press brake operators across metalwork. They support maintenance engineers, instrument techs, QC inspectors, and laboratory techs in the food and FMCG industries. For white collar planners, buyer assistants, and production schedulers, stay in steady demand. Temp agencies can staff entire shifts, then convert proven staff into permanent hires once probation ends.
Hard to Fill Positions
Multi-skilled maintenance engineers with an electrical or mechanical bias are the hardest seats to fill. CNC programmers for Fanuc, Heidenhain, or Mazak controls remain scarce. Quality engineers with PPAP and APQP knowledge can quickly provide offers. Strong production planners with MRP experience are thin on the ground when multiple sites vie for the same CVs. Recruiters with bench strength and a live network can shorten lead times and reduce downtime.
Market Snapshots
The local labour market has seen steady movement towards automation, line-side data capture, and lean routines that reward problem solvers. Employers who publish clear pay bands, rota patterns, and overtime rules see better retention. Jobseekers want upfront details on pay rates, training, and shift premiums, as well as quick interviews and site tours. Transparent updates from staffing agencies help reduce fallout and raise show rates.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
What are typical agency fees for permanent hires in Wigan manufacturing?
Many recruiters quote between 12% and 20% of the starting salary, depending on the level of scarcity and seniority.
How fast can a temp start on a production line?
If right to work and references are ready, a same-week start is common, with site inductions arranged by the agency.
Do agencies handle PPE and medicals?
Most agencies brief PPE requirements and book medicals where required, then recover costs under an agreement with the employer.
Can a temp move to permanent after a set period?
Yes, many employers make offers after a successful probation, with temp-to-perm terms agreed in the contract.
What shifts are most common across Wigan plants?
Days, rotating earlies and lates, and nights remain standard, with premiums paid for nights and weekends.