​From the RAF to Food Engineering: Chris Smith on Career Transition and Talent Development

In the latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, host Richard Hanwell speaks with Chris Smith, an experienced engineer and manager at Branston Limited, about his journey from the RAF to civilian life, navigating the food engineering industry, and developing the next generation of engineers.

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

Chris spent over a decade in the RAF before transitioning into civilian engineering. He reflects on the challenges of adapting to a new work environment:

“I thought I was going to hit the ground running as an amazing engineer, but I quickly realised there was a steep learning curve. It was difficult, but I enjoyed it and kind of got my life back a little bit.”

Balancing family life with the demands of military service, Chris experienced long periods away from home, which influenced his decision to move into civilian roles that allowed him to be present for his family.

Building a Career in Engineering

Chris’s early civilian roles were varied, starting with basic mechanical work before moving into more technical engineering positions. His commitment to self-education, watching tutorials, completing courses, and hands-on practice helped him quickly progress into leadership roles.

“I dived feet first into every fault I could get my hands on, learning lathes, milling machines, and welding, all to become a better engineer and problem solver.”

This hands-on approach not only honed his skills but positioned him for management, leading teams and developing systems for preventative and predictive maintenance.

Engineering in the Food Industry

At Branston Fresh, Chris focuses on creating a predictive maintenance culture rather than reactive “firefighting.” His team of 14 engineers is trained to anticipate issues and improve processes, ensuring production runs smoothly and efficiently.

“Rather than waiting for equipment to break down, we aim to understand why it failed and prevent it from happening again. It’s about building a forward-looking system.”

Chris also highlights the growing role of AI and automation in engineering, particularly in integrating sensors and predictive systems, which help engineers work more efficiently without reducing demand for skilled staff.

Talent Development and Recruitment

One of the biggest challenges in food engineering is recruiting and retaining skilled engineers. Chris sees a huge opportunity to tap into talent coming from the MOD, noting that veterans bring discipline, familiarity with systems, and a strong work ethic.

“The worst thing is to throw someone straight from the MOD into a food factory - they need a gradual introduction, maybe through contracting work first. Once they get experience, they’ll thrive.”

He emphasises that retention comes from treating engineers as valuable assets, investing in their development, and offering multiple career pathways, not just pushing everyone into management.

Key Takeaways

Chris’s journey demonstrates the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and continuous learning. From military service to food engineering, his experience underscores how structured support, development opportunities, and forward-thinking strategies can nurture talent and build a resilient workforce.

For anyone considering a career in engineering, or transitioning from military service into civilian roles, Chris’s story highlights the value of persistence, self-education, and seizing opportunities to grow.

Listen to the full podcast episode for more insights into career progression, engineering challenges, and how the food industry is evolving with technology and talent development.

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