Maintenance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead engineering and reliability within a fast-paced, highly automated food manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Factory Manager, this role is responsible for driving maintenance strategy, improving asset performance, and leading a team of engineers to deliver high levels of efficiency, reliability, and safety across the site. Client Details My client is a premium food brand known for its fruit-based preserves and desserts, this company combines simple, natural ingredients with large-scale manufacturing expertise. Its products are widely recognised for their focus on minimal processing, with a culture built around hands-on leadership, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality food at scale. Description Leadership & People Management • Lead, develop, and structure the engineering team to meet site objectives • Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training of engineering staff • Assess team capability and implement development plans • Promote a proactive, collaborative, and high-performance culture Maintenance & Reliability • Lead and deliver the preventive maintenance strategy across the site • Ensure effective use of the CMMS to plan, track, and optimise maintenance activities • Drive improvements in equipment reliability and uptime • Analyse breakdowns, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions • Maintain accurate equipment history and performance data Operational Performance • Collaborate with production and technical teams to optimise line performance • Support delivery of key KPIs including efficiency, downtime, energy usage, and cost control • Oversee spare parts management and maintenance budgets • Ensure maintenance activities are delivered in the most cost-effective manner Continuous Improvement & Projects • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and operations • Support the introduction of new equipment and technologies • Work alongside project teams to ensure smooth integration of new assets • Prepare engineering teams for ongoing maintenance of new installations Utilities, Sustainability & Compliance • Oversee site utilities and energy systems • Support sustainability initiatives, including energy and emissions targets • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards • Lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture Profile • Proven experience in a Head of / Maintenance Manager role within manufacturing • Strong knowledge of both mechanical and electrical engineering • Experience working in highly automated production environments • A hands-on leader with excellent people management and communication skills • Strong problem-solving ability with a continuous improvement mindset • Confident using maintenance management systems and data-driven tools • Able to react quickly and effectively in a fast-paced, short lead-time environment Job Offer • A competitive salary ranging from £80000 to £100000 per annum • Relocation paid if needed • Comprehensive benefits package (details available upon request) • A supportive and forward-thinking company culture • Opportunities for professional growth and development