Head of Maintenance

Overview

A leading food manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Maintenance to oversee site-wide maintenance strategy, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a senior leadership role suited to someone who can drive plant reliability, develop high‑performing teams, and ensure world‑class standards across safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance function to ensure maximum equipment uptime, reliability, and efficiency.
• Implement preventative, predictive, and Lean-focused maintenance programmes.
• Manage capital projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO, BRC, EPA and all regulatory standards.
• Oversee vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring quality and cost control.
• Drive continuous improvement across maintenance systems, utilities, and plant performance.
• Develop and mentor a large maintenance team, fostering a culture of accountability and progression.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality and other functions to support site growth and innovation.

Criteria

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10 years' progressive maintenance/engineering leadership experience, ideally in food or FMCG.
• Experience managing large maintenance teams (20 people) in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (GMP, HACCP, ISO, BRC).
• Proven track record delivering complex projects and implementing Lean/CI initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, budget management, and stakeholder leadership skills.
• Automation/robotics experience and proficiency with engineering/project management tools advantageous.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, complex environment with occasional travel as required.

Reward

This role offers a highly competitive salary of €100K-€120K, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes 22 days of annual leave, a pension plan, and a health insurance scheme. Employees also enjoy access to a subsidised canteen, a robust Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 wellbeing, counselling, coaching, and family support, as well as a dedicated wellness programme. The company provides enhanced maternity and paternity leave benefits, extensive training, development, and career progression opportunities, plus additional perks such as a Christmas savings scheme and participation in the bike-to-work scheme.

At Wallace Myers International Recruitment Agency we specialise in sourcing professionals for key industries and services. See our website for more details.

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