Machine Technician

IPL Schoeller; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension up to 7% matched

Colleague discount: 15% at Asda

Asda services discounts

Wellbeing services access

Inclusion networks

Parental leave policies

Job summary

IPL Sittingbourne is seeking a Machine Technician to join our onsite Engineering & Facilities Team at the Sittingbourne site. The role operates on a 4 on/4 off shift, 7am–7pm, and is a fixed-term contract until 31/12/2026. You will work to SOPs in a safe, clean environment and lead autonomous maintenance on line equipment.

You will monitor yields, perform safe changeovers with minimal downtime, and liaise with Line Leaders and the Engineering Team to resolve safety or productivity issues.

Qualifications

• FMCG experience in production/operational environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with practical skills.
• GCSE Maths and English at A–C or equivalent.
• Good IT skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and ability to liaise across levels.
• Team player with initiative and flexible working approach.
• High attention to detail and safety awareness.
• IOSH qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain machinery in a clean, safe environment.
• Complete daily machine safety checks per procedures.
• Lead autonomous maintenance on on-line equipment.
• Communicate machine run safety issues to engineering and line leaders.
• Monitor yield and optimise value for IPL.
• Perform safe changeovers with minimal downtime; seek improvements.
• Ensure machines are ready for next job with timely setup.
• Report run rate issues affecting safety or productivity promptly.
• Complete mandatory safety and food safety checks; log weights.

Skills

FMCG experience

Mechanical aptitude

IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Initiative / results driven

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

GCSE Maths and English

IOSH (desirable)

Tools

Machinery/Equipment experience

Job description

About The Role

Join Our Dynamic Onsite Engineering & Facilities Team at IPL Sittingbourne!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Machine Technician to become a vital part of our onsite Engineering & Facilities Team at our Produce site in Sittingbourne. If you are passionate about Engineering & Facilities and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, this role is perfect for you!

Position Details:

• Schedule: 4 on 4 off, 7am - 7pm (Days)
• Location: IPL Sittingbourne - Site Based Role
• Contract Type: Fixed Term till 31/12/2026

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Work to trained Standard Operating Procedures in a clean, safe environment at all times.
• Monitor work areas to ensure the workplace is safe and all machinery is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness
• Ensure all daily machine safety checks are completed in line with the trained Standard Operating Procedures
• Take Lead responsibility for autonomous maintenance of equipment on line, ensuring activities on and off line are completed
• Provide full communication to Engineering Team, Line Leaders and direct reports on any machine run safety issues
• To constantly monitor yield to optimise value for IPL
• Ensure product changeovers are performed with minimal downtime but in a safe and accurate manner, seek to identify improvements at every opportunity
• Liaise with Line Leaders in a clear and concise manner. Ensure that machines are set up in time for the next job ensuring prompt changeovers whilst avoiding high downtime
• Report to the Line Leader and Engineer any machine run rate issues that are having a detrimental effect on safety or productivity as soon as the issues are discovered
• Ensure that all mandatory safety and food safety checks are done
• Perform check weights and scale calibration at intervals detailed in training, recoding each weight in line with internal and externally verified standards
• Immediately report underweights and causations to Line Leader and seek to resolve. Informing the Engineering team if issues persist

What are we looking for?

• FMCG experience within working in a Production/Operational environment
• Excellent practical skills with a strong mechanical aptitude
• Educated to GCSE level A,B or C (or equivalent) in Maths and English
• Strong Analytical and IT skills (Inc. Word. Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to comfortably liaise with all levels within the Company
• The ability to work quickly and methodically within a team environment
• Ability to use own initiative and be results driven
• Ability to work flexibly to meet and deliver business needs
• High attention to detail
• Relevant Health & Safety qualification (IOSH) would be desirable
• Experience of working with similar machinery/equipment
• Ability to challenge both internal and external non-compliance to industry leading standards

What's in it for you?

At IPL, Forza, and Kober, we're dynamic businesses, dedicated to fostering the development of our colleagues and creating an exceptional work environment. We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration to drive our success. To continue our growth, we're seeking individuals who embody our values, culture, and commitment.

In return, we offer opportunities for professional development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up to 7% matched
• Colleague discount: 15% off your shopping at Asda from day 1 for you and a nominated user
• Discounted rates and special offers on Asda services such as Mobile, Pharmacy, Opticians, Personal Loan, Pet Insurance, Travel Insurance, Travel Money, Tyres, Breakdown Cover
• Free access to wellbeing services such as Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline
• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks - helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated
• Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments.

Plus, lots more! Depending on job band, other fantastic benefits are also available including private healthcare, car allowances, and long-term incentive schemes.

About Us

Our purpose here at IPL, Forza & Kober is simple, we are one team who creates exceptional value for our customers and our mission is to support Asda on their journey to becoming #2 in the marketplace.

Through our people we live and breathe our values and we play to our strengths, but we also support each other's development. We are a community of passionate individuals who possess a wide variety of skills and expertise, who work collectively to form a high performing team and a company to be proud of.

We are committed to a fully inclusive business that is representative of our customers, locations and the communities we serve. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of sex, age, race, religion, gender or sexual identity and socio-economic background. We are committed to making IPL, Forza and Kober a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values, culture and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Our culture is our people and our people are our culture!