Reliability Engineer

Premier Foods; Ashford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Ashford is seeking a Reliability Engineer for a permanent role. The ideal candidate will develop and implement maintenance strategies to enhance equipment reliability, optimizing both preventative and proactive maintenance. Responsibilities include conducting inspections, providing technical input for new equipment, and supporting engineering functions. Candidates should have a HNC or degree in relevant disciplines and robust knowledge in mechanical and electrical maintenance. The role offers competitive benefits including a pension contribution and annual leave.

Benefits

Up to 7.5% pension contribution

Life assurance

Staff discount shop on site

Free on site parking

Access to discounts at nationwide retailers

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of reliability principles and maintenance strategies.
• Experience analyzing complex operational issues in food manufacturing.
• Ability to demonstrate the use of problem-solving tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
• Provide technical input into the design and installation of new equipment.

Skills

Reliability Engineering tools

Electrical and Mechanical maintenance

Problem solving techniques

Education

HNC / Degree in electrical / mechanical or Automation disciplines

Job description

Reliability Engineer

Date: 29 Sept 2025

Location: Ashford, GB

Job Title: Reliability Engineer

Location: Ashford, TN24 0LU

Salary: £55k - £57k per annum dependant on experience

A full time, permanent opportunity has arisen at our Ashford site for a Senior Reliability Engineer to join the team. You will be responsible for determining and providing the correct maintenance strategy for the site equipment; this involves optimising preventative and proactive maintenance against reliability and cost objectives.

The successful candidate will:

• Produce and optimise a timely and deliverable cost effective maintenance programme for manufacturing function to optimise the reliability of all electrical and mechanical assets

Develop and implement maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability

Utilise Reliability Engineering tools such as CMMS, Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM), Risk Based Inspections (RBI), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), PM Plan optimisation's, equipment history analysis, failure predictions, predictive maintenance techniques and other to maximise equipment reliability.

Conduct routine inspections of equipment and systems to maintain operational efficiency, identifying faults and implementing corrective actions to minimise downtime.

Act as the lead for escalating maintenance or breakdown support from OEM’s

Support the engineering and manufacturing functions ensuring maximum utilisation of engineering equipment in order to achieve KPIs and optimal line efficiency within the company safety, quality & environmental policies.

Provide technical input into the design and installation of new equipment and provide effective maintenance plans (including technical docs, Maintenance Operating Procedures), in the delivery of the Site Capital Plan

Support future CAPEX plan development through analysis of machine obsolescence programme

What we need from you:

• HNC / Degree in electrical / mechanical or Automation disciplines.

Strong functional knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical and Automation maintenance and be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of food manufacturing (mixing / packing) & Process equipment.

Understanding of Original Equipment Manufacturer Asset Care guidance

A broad knowledge of the asset care systems and be able to demonstrate strong organisational/planning skills relevant to planning overhaul activity and machine upgrades

Ability to demonstrate driving change and implementing new ways of working.

Strong knowledge of reliability principles and maintenance strategies.

Able to demonstrate the use of problem solving tools and techniques

Demonstrated experience in analysing complex operational issues

What we offer in return:

• Up to 7.5% pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Staff discount shop on site
• Free on site parking
• Access to "The Hamper", with discounts at hundreds of nationwide retailers
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and Other Health & Wellbeing Benefits
• Sharesave Scheme

  The Next Step...

  Click apply via our website and upload your CV