Maintenance Manager

Location: Co. Waterford, Ireland

Role Summary

A leading food manufacturing and processing company is seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to support operations at a production facility in Co. Waterford.

The role also involves managing unforeseen maintenance activity and coordinating internal resources and external contractors within agreed budgets.

• Deliver key business objectives and performance targets for the Maintenance Department at both site and group level.
• Monitor and control maintenance expenditure in line with approved budgets and company procedures.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to the engineering team, particularly during breakdowns and time-critical repairs.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Maintenance team, including prioritising repairs, scheduling maintenance work, and minimising disruption to production.
• Plan preventative and scheduled maintenance activities while responding effectively to unexpected maintenance requirements.
• Coordinate internal engineering resources and external contractors based on operational needs, specialist skills, and project requirements.
• Manage third-party maintenance contracts and communicate effectively with site leadership regarding costs, service levels, and contractor performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.
• Support employee development through training, coaching, mentoring, and performance management initiatives.
• Oversee all site utilities including electricity, water, compressed air, refrigeration, and related services to ensure continuity and quality of operations.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Trade qualification in a mechanical or electrical discipline, third-level qualification in Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in an engineering or maintenance role within an industrial or manufacturing environment, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Previous experience leading or managing engineering or maintenance teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability in people management, including coaching, mentoring, and team development.