Head of Maintenance

Confidential Search | Manufacturing | Executive-Level Role

The Opportunity

A well-established, high-performing manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Maintenance to lead maintenance operations across a large, high-output production site. This is a senior leadership role with direct accountability to the Senior Executive Team and Board of Directors, suited to a confident, commercially astute leader who can operate effectively at executive level.

You will have full ownership of plant reliability, compliance, and capital projects, while leading a sizeable, multi-disciplinary maintenance function in a fast-paced production environment.

A generous salary package, well above market benchmark for this level, is on offer.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations & Reliability

Lead the site maintenance function to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all plant, equipment, and utilities
Implement Lean-based maintenance strategies to maximise asset reliability, uptime, and compliance
Own preventive, predictive, and calibration maintenance programs
Set, monitor, and deliver against performance targets for uptime, cost, and reliability
Prepare and manage the maintenance budget with strong financial and cost-control discipline

Compliance, Safety & Standards

Ensure full compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO, BRC, EPA, and all relevant regulatory standards
Own and enforce maintenance SOPs and lead audits, inspections, and risk assessments
Champion food safety, health & safety, and environmental best practice across all maintenance and project activities

Capital Projects & Technical Leadership

Lead capital projects including equipment installations, upgrades, and process improvements from concept through commissioning
Manage project scope, timelines, cost, and delivery
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver robust engineering solutions
Drive adoption of new technologies, automation, and digitalisation initiatives

Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop a large maintenance organisation, including senior managers, engineers, and technicians
Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Implement effective performance management, talent development, and succession planning

Vendor & Contractor Management

Select, negotiate, and manage external vendors and contractors
Ensure all third-party work meets safety, quality, GMP, and company standards

About You

Degree qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
10+ years’ experience in senior maintenance or engineering leadership within a manufacturing environment (food/FMCG highly advantageous)
Demonstrated experience reporting directly to Senior Executive Teams and Boards
Proven ability to lead large maintenance teams in complex, high-volume operations
Strong capital project delivery experience
Commercially astute with proven budget and cost management expertise
Confident, assertive, and credible communicator at executive level
Experience with Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is an advantage

Additional Information

Fast-paced, high-output manufacturing environment
Multi-plant operation with extended production hours
Some domestic and international travel may be required