Maintenance Planner

The Collective Network; 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 smooth operations. This role requires hands-on planning, effective communication with engineers and contractors, and a keen attention to detail. You will manage maintenance schedules, stock inventories, and assist in contractor management. This position offers opportunities for growth in a supportive environment with competitive benefits, including Wagestream access and subsidised on-site meals.

Benefits

Wagestream - access up to 50% of earnings before payday

Free on-site parking with EV charging

Staff events and recognition awards

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Genuine career development

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, contractors, and managers.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced engineering or production environment.
• Self-motivated with high standards in work ethics.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedules.
• Organize emergency work and overdue tasks.
• Manage maintenance databases and stock inventories.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Adaptability to change

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

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