Autonomous Maintenance Implementation Lead (Fixed-Term Contract) - Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie)

Kettle Produce Limited; Cupar; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kettle Produce Limited is seeking an Autonomous Maintenance Implementation Lead for a 6–12 month fixed-term contract in Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie), Scotland. The role focuses on rolling out Autonomous Maintenance, establishing standards and visual controls, and aligning TPM with site performance goals.

You will train operators, develop materials and assessments, and work with Engineering to transition tasks to production teams, driving a proactive maintenance culture.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing Autonomous Maintenance/TPM in manufacturing.
• Strong lean manufacturing understanding.
• Experience training frontline operators.
• Proven change management and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and roll out the Autonomous Maintenance plan across production areas.
• Set AM standards, routines, documentation and visual management.
• Lead TPM initiatives and align with site operational excellence goals.
• Coach operators in basic care, cleaning, lubrication and problem solving.

Job description

Autonomous Maintenance Implementation Lead (Fixed-Term Contract) - Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie)

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the Autonomous Maintenance rollout plan across designated production areas
• Establish AM standards, routines, documentation, and visual management systems
• Implement TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) methodologies and ensure alignment with site operational excellence objectives
• Define AM maturity stages and drive progression through each implementation phase

Operator Training & Capability Building:

• Deliver classroom and on-the-job training to machine operators and team managers
• Develop training materials, work instructions, One Point Lessons (OPLs), and competency assessments
• Establish operator competency matrices and certification processes

Coach operators in:

• Basic equipment care
• Cleaning and inspection techniques
• Lubrication standards
• Root cause problem solving

Equipment Ownership & Standards:

• Create and implement machine centreline conditions and basic care standards
• Develop AM check sheets and inspection routines
• Support creation of tagging systems for abnormality identification and management
• Ensure standards are practical, sustainable, and embedded within daily operations
• Identify losses and improvement opportunities through operator engagement and shop-floor observation
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops to eliminate chronic equipment issues
• Support OEE improvement initiatives through increased asset reliability and operator ownership
• Work alongside Engineering teams to transition suitable maintenance tasks to production teams

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build strong working relationships with Production, Engineering, Performance Improvement, Quality, and Site Leadership teams
• Act as the subject matter expert for Autonomous Maintenance implementation
• Provide regular programme updates, progress reports, and recommendations to senior management
• Drive cultural change towards proactive equipment ownership

Performance Measurement:

Monitor and report progress against key metrics including:

• Autonomous Maintenance maturity levels
• Operator competency completion rates
• OEE improvements
• Unplanned downtime reduction
• Defect identification and closure rates
• Equipment cleaning and inspection compliance

Required Experience:

• Proven experience implementing Autonomous Maintenance and/or TPM programmes within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles
• Experience training and coaching frontline operators
• Demonstrable success in driving cultural and behavioural change
• Experience working closely with Production and Engineering functions
• Knowledge of equipment reliability and preventive maintenance techniques
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills
• Formal TPM certification or equivalent
• Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, packaging, process manufacturing, or high-volume production environments
• Experience deploying visual management and operational excellence systems
• Excellent coaching and facilitation skills
• Strong communication and influencing ability
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Training development and delivery
• Highly visible and hands-on leadership style
• Ability to challenge existing practices constructively
• Strong organisational and planning skills

Contract Duration:

6–12 Months Fixed-Term Contract (dependent on programme scope and site requirements)

Working hours are: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm