Lead Maintenance Engineer

Precision People UK; Deal; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established food production company seeks a Lead Maintenance Engineer to oversee their automated production line in Deal, England. The successful candidate will ensure the operational efficiency of the machinery, manage maintenance teams, and work hands-on when needed. A competitive salary of £50,000 per annum is offered along with benefits including a pension scheme and holidays.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Holiday Allowance

Long-term progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in maintenance of FMCG machinery.
• Strong mechanical skills involving conveyors, gearboxes, and hydraulics.
• Experience managing maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of the automated production line.
• Lead preventative and reactive maintenance efforts.
• Ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Mechanical engineering skills

Fault finding

Team management

Hands-on approach

Job description

Overview

Lead Maintenance Engineer (FMCG)

CT15, East Kent

Mornings & Afternoon Shifts Mon-Fri

£50,000 per annum

Are you an Experienced Maintenance Engineer within the food production or FMCG industry? If yes, read on….

My client is a well established, independent, privately owned business which has been operating for over 25 years, based within commutable distance from Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Sandwich and Margate. They are seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer / Lead Maintenance Engineer to take responsibility for their fully automated production line and small engineering team. This role is critical to ensuring smooth production, minimise downtime, and the continued efficiency of the facility. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer with FMCG or food & drink production background to step into a key role.

Key Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for the maintenance, operation, and performance of the automated production line.
• Lead all preventative and reactive maintenance
• Oversee the on-shift team during production; provide leadership, support, and direction.
• Supervise and work with shift leaders who carry out first-line maintenance, changeovers, and routine checks.
• Take the lead on more complex breakdowns and repairs (e.g. gearboxes, conveyors, bearings).
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and H&S standards.
• Support a professional, safe, and efficient culture on the shop floor.

Experience & Skills Required

• A strong background with the maintenance of machinery that would be found in an FMCG environment
• Strong mechanical engineering skills (conveyors, gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics); basic electrical knowledge an advantage.
• Proven experience in fault finding, strip-down, and repair of production machinery.
• Knowledge of bottling/packaging lines or transferable industries (e.g. food, beverage, confectionery, or FMCG).
• Experience managing a team of people
• Hands-on approach — able to step in and run/repair machinery where required.
• Professional attitude

Salary & Benefits

• Monday-Friday shifts: 05:00–15:00 or 15:00–01:00.
• £50,000 per annum (DOE).
• Pension scheme
• Holiday Allowance
• Long-term progression and development available

How to apply

Interested? To apply for this Lead Maintenance Engineer position, here are your two options:

1. This is the job for me! When can I start? - Call now and let’s talk through your experience. Ask for Emma Gilmore on 0116 2545411 between 7.30am - 4.30pm.
2. I think I’m right for this position, but I’m not sure I have enough to get an interview - Click "apply now" so I can read your CV and let you know - [e-mail]