Lead Maintenance Engineer

Lead Maintenance Engineer (FMCG)

CT15, East Kent

Mornings & Afternoon Shifts Mon-Fri

£50,000 Salary per annum

Are you an Experienced Maintenance Engineer within the food production or FMCG industry? If yes, read on….

My client is a well established, independent, privately owned business which has been operating for over 25 years, based within commutable distance from Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Sandwich and Margate. They are seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer / Lead Maintenance Engineer to take responsibility for their fully automated production line and small engineering team.  This role is critical to ensuring smooth production, minimise downtime, and the continued efficiency of the facility. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer with FMCG or food & drink production background to step into a key role.

Key Responsibilities : Lead Maintenance Engineer :

Full responsibility for the maintenance, operation, and performance of the automated production line.

Lead all preventative and reactive maintenance

Oversee the on-shift team during production; provide leadership, support, and direction.

Supervise and work with shift leaders who carry out first-line maintenance, changeovers, and routine checks.

Take the lead on more complex breakdowns and repairs (e.g. gearboxes, conveyors, bearings).

Ensure compliance with hygiene and H&S standards.

Support a professional, safe, and efficient culture on the shop floor.

Experience & Skills Required : Chief Engineer :

A strong background with the maintenance of machinery that would be found in an FMCG environment

Strong mechanical engineering skills (conveyors, gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics); basic electrical knowledge an advantage.

Proven experience in fault finding, strip-down, and repair of production machinery.

Knowledge of bottling / packaging lines or transferable industries (e.g. food, beverage, confectionery, or FMCG).

Experience managing a team of people

Hands-on approach — able to step in and run / repair machinery where required.

Professional attitude

Salary & Benefits : Lead Maintenance Engineer

Monday-Friday shifts : 05 : 00–15 : 00 or 15 : 00–01 : 00.

£50,000 per annum (DOE).

Pension scheme

Holiday Allowance

Long-term progression and development available

Interested? To apply for this Lead Maintenance Engineer position, here are your two options :

1. "This is the job for me! When can I start?" - Call now and let’s talk through your experience. Ask for Emma Gilmore on (phone number removed) between 7.30am - 4.30pm.

2. "I think I'm right for this position, but I'm not sure I have enough to get an interview" - Click "apply now" so I can read your CV and let you know - (url removed)

PPDEL