Job Description

Role Description



To oversee the maintenance and engineering operations across NWF's three feed mills and two blends plants. The role will lead a team of six engineers and be responsible for an annual capital expenditure budget of 1.5 million and an annual maintenance spend of over 1.0 million. A key focus will be implementing a robust Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) system, centralising the purchasing of engineering spares, and ensuring optimal asset performance to support our high-volume production targets.



Main duties/Responsibilities



Leadership & Team Management



Lead and develop a geographically dispersed team of 6 engineers (2 in Devon, 3 in Cheshire, and 1 in Cumbria).

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability.

Ensure adequate resource planning and succession development.



Maintenance & Engineering Strategy



Develop and implement a national Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) programme to reduce downtime and extend asset life.

Oversee all corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance activities.

Manage and track engineering KPIs including OEE, downtime, and maintenance costs.



Capital Projects & Budget Control



Manage the annual CAPEX budget of 1.5 million, ensuring all capital projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.

Scope, plan, and lead engineering projects including machinery upgrades and site improvements.



Procurement & Inventory Management



Centralise the procurement of engineering spares to drive cost efficiencies and improve stock availability.

Standardise suppliers and maintain critical spares inventory levels across all sites.



Compliance & Safety



Ensure all engineering activities comply with HSE standards, legislative requirements, and internal policies.

Conduct regular audits and risk assessments across all sites.



Collaboration & Communication



Work cross-functionally with production, procurement, and senior leadership to align engineering initiatives with business goals.

Report on performance, challenges, and strategic opportunities at board level.



Qualifications / training



IOSH/NEBOSH



Relevant engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree level)



Measures of performance



Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) Compliance (% completed vs. scheduled)

Unplanned Downtime (hours or % reduction YoY)

ROI or Payback Period on Key CapEx Projects

Engineering Spares Spend Reduction (YoY or vs. baseline)

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) (in collaboration with production)

Engineering-Related H&S Incidents / Near Misses

Audit Compliance Score (Internal / External)

% of Risk Assessments / Method Statements Reviewed Annually



Salary

50,000 - 60,000

Hours

40

Contract type

Permanent

Location

NWF Agriculture Wardle