Maintenance Planner

The Collective Network Limited; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Kent is seeking a Maintenance Planner to ensure the smooth running of operations. This hands-on role involves planning maintenance activities, managing stock, and collaborating with engineers and contractors. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience in fast-paced environments. Benefits include access to early earnings, subsidized meals, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Access to early earnings through Wagestream

Free on-site parking with EV charging

Staff events and recognition awards

Subsidized on-site restaurant

Supportive team and genuine career development

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to interact with various stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented approach to work and planning.
• Experience with contractor management preferred.
• Background in the FMCG industry is advantageous.
• Ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedules for operations.
• Organize and scope emergency and overdue maintenance tasks.
• Manage parts and materials inventory effectively.
• Maintain and update maintenance databases regularly.
• Review completed jobs and plan further tasks.
• Assess documentation for contractors and issue permits on time.

Skills

Communication skills with engineers and contractors

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook

Organizational skills

Experience in fast-paced engineering environment

Ability to solve problems independently

Willingness to embrace change

Tools

CMMS systems

Job description

Maintenance Planner Kent £40,000-£45,000

We're partnering with a leading food manufacturer in Kent that needs a Maintenance Planner who can keep their operation running smoothly, safely, and without unnecessary drama. Think of it as the person who makes sure the engineers aren't firefighting all day because someone forgot to order a gasket. This is a proper hands‑on planning role—not a box‑ticking exercise. What you'll actually be doing

• Planning daily, weekly and monthly maintenance so everyone knows what they're doing before they show up.
• Scoping and organising both emergency work and the "we've ignored this long enough" jobs.
• Making sure parts and materials are sourced, available, and not lost in a cupboard.
• Keeping the work order backlog under control (or at least steering it away from chaos).
• Reviewing completed jobs to see what else needs doing next.
• Keeping maintenance databases up to date so engineers don't roll their eyes at them.
• Managing stores and stock properly, not just hoping the right parts appear.
• Pulling together planned work packages people can actually follow.
• Assessing contractor RAMS without needing therapy afterwards.
• Issuing Permit to Work documentation accurately and on time.

What you need to bring

• You can communicate with anyone—engineers, contractors, managers, and the serial complainer from production.
• You notice the details others overlook.
• You can use Excel, Word and Outlook without pretending your computer is "playing up".
• You're organised, structured, and know how to prioritise when everything is shouting for attention.
• Experience dealing with contractors.
• Experience in a fast‑paced engineering or production environment.
• FMCG background would be great, but not essential.
• You've used CMMS systems without wanting to set them on fire.
• You take ownership. You solve problems. You follow through.
• You don't fight change. Bonus points if you actually embrace it.
• You want to grow and improve—not just clock in and out.
• You're self‑motivated and hold yourself to high standards.

What you get in return

• Wagestream - access up to 50% of your earnings before payday.
• Free on‑site parking with EV charging.
• Staff events and recognition awards.
• A heavily subsidised on‑site restaurant serving decent breakfasts and lunches.
• A supportive team that wants you to progress.
• Genuine career development.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00