Maintenance Engineering Team Leader

ZipRecruiter; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in the FMCG food manufacturing sector seeks a Multiskilled Engineer based in Blackburn to lead a team, minimize machinery downtime, and ensure safe working conditions. The ideal candidate will possess strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, with qualifications in Electrical Engineering, and a commitment to continuous improvement and safety. The role offers a dynamic work environment within a 24/7 operation, providing opportunities for growth and development in the thriving pet food industry.

Qualifications

• Strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, preferably on food processing machinery.
• Engineering apprenticeship and relevant qualifications essential.
• Proven experience in engineering and fault-finding role in FMCG environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to minimize machinery downtime and conduct preventative maintenance.
• Lead a team of engineers while ensuring safety and adherence to policies.
• Manage shift cover, perform repairs, and document issues to reduce downtime.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Root Cause Analysis

Communication

Education

BTEC ONC, HNC, or HND in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Job Description

Based in Blackburn

Shift work: 4 on 4 off days/nights, 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am.

Although we operate a 24/7 shift pattern, there are no Saturday nights on schedule.

Saturday day shifts are only 8 hours, providing more weekend time off compared to a standard 24/7 pattern.

Work environment: FMCG food manufacturing.

Duties

Reporting to the Engineering Lead, you will collaborate with the Head of Engineering, Factory Manager, and Production Managers to minimize machinery downtime and conduct preventative maintenance to avoid production disruptions. You will lead a team of 2 Multiskilled engineers and an apprentice, ensuring safe working conditions, especially when the apprentice is not in college.

• Work within a small team of multi-disciplined engineers.
• Attend to breakdowns promptly following escalation procedures.
• Manage shift cover, holidays, overtime, and return-to-work documentation.
• Perform PPMs on equipment.
• Carry out repairs and document all actions to identify recurrent faults.
• Coordinate with the Engineering Lead, Senior Engineer, and parts manager to ensure timely supply of parts.
• Reduce downtime by identifying recurring issues and developing new PPM strategies.
• Monitor and report on OEE, MTTR, MTBF, and other KPIs as directed.
• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Promote H&S initiatives as delegated.
• Support building maintenance activities.
• Mentor and coach fellow engineers to ensure quality service.
• Contribute to continuous process and practice improvements.

Requirements

• Strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, preferably on food processing machinery.
• Process control expertise.
• Commitment to ongoing skills development.
• Ability to build electrical control systems, from switchgear to software, is advantageous.
• Engineering apprenticeship and relevant qualifications such as BTEC ONC, HNC, or HND in Electrical Engineering are essential.
• IEE qualification up to 17th edition Wiring Regulations is desirable.
• Proven experience in an engineering and fault-finding role within an FMCG environment, ideally food manufacturing.
• Understanding of HACCP, COSHH, and GMP principles.
• Excellent communication, assertiveness, decision-making skills, and a positive attitude.
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis and implementing countermeasures.
• Multiskilled in electrical and mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge of CMMS, preferably Shires.
• Ability to implement and manage preventative maintenance strategies.
• Solution-driven with a proactive approach to innovation.
• Passionate about quality, best practices, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with internal H&S audits and processes.

About Pets Choice:

We are a rapidly growing pet food manufacturer in the UK, home to brands like Webbox, Felight, Bob Martin, Meatiful, and Vet’s Kitchen.

Our product range includes food, treats, toys, accessories, and healthcare products for pets and small animals.

We serve multiple channels including grocery, discounters, wholesale, high street retail, eCommerce, pet specialists, and export markets.

We are committed to sustainable growth and are expanding our teams to become the leading business in the pet industry.

Make Pets Choice, Your Choice.