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NRL are currently recruiting for a permanent Maintenance Manager based in Sunderland.

Job Specification

Maintenance Manager

Department

Engineering / Maintenance

Location

Sunderland

Reporting Line

Plant Manager

Job Purpose

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and continuously improving all maintenance activities across the manufacturing site. The role ensures the reliability, availability, and optimal performance of all plant and production equipment to support uninterrupted, safe, and cost‑effective manufacturing operations. The post holder will drive preventative maintenance strategies, ensure compliance with statutory and company standards, and contribute to operational excellence in a high‑volume automotive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Management

Develop, implement, and maintain an effective planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) strategy.

Ensure timely and effective response to equipment breakdowns, applying structured root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

Maintain accurate plant asset registers, maintenance records, and statutory inspection documentation.

Oversee maintenance of automated production lines, assembly equipment, test facilities, and associated utilities.Health, Safety and Compliance

Ensure full compliance with UK health and safety legislation and company policies, including PUWER, COSHH, LOLER, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the maintenance function.

Conduct and approve risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.Leadership and People Management

Lead, manage, and develop a multi‑skilled maintenance team, including electrical and mechanical technicians.

Allocate resources to provide effective shift and on‑call cover in line with operational requirements.

Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and support technical and professional development.Continuous Improvement and Performance

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to support manufacturing targets and customer requirements.

Monitor and report on key maintenance KPIs and implement corrective actions as required.Budget and Cost Control

Prepare and manage the maintenance budget, ensuring effective control of costs relating to labour, spare parts, and external contractors.

Optimise spare parts inventory and manage supplier and contractor relationships.Projects and Capital Investment

Support capital projects and new equipment installations, ensuring maintenance requirements are considered at all stages.

Ensure maintenance readiness for new product introductions, including documentation, spares, and training.Key Performance Indicators

Equipment availability and uptime

Preventative maintenance compliance

Breakdown frequency and recovery times

Maintenance spends against budget

Health and safety performance metricsKnowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

Proven experience in a Maintenance Manager or Senior Maintenance role within an automotive or high‑volume manufacturing environment.

Strong technical knowledge across electrical, mechanical, and automation disciplines.

Demonstrable experience leading and developing multi‑skilled teams.

Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.

Sound knowledge of UK health and safety legislation.Desirable

Experience within a Tier‑1 automotive supplier environment.

Experience of robotics, PLC‑controlled systems, and condition‑based maintenance.

Project management experience.Qualifications

HNC, HND, or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent).

IOSH Managing Safely (essential); NEBOSH qualification desirable.

Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification desirable.Personal Attributes

Professional, proactive, and results‑focused approach.

Strong leadership and communication skills.

Analytical and methodical problem‑solver.

Able to work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.Working Hours

Full‑time position. Flexibility required to support shift operations and business needs.

Remuneration

Competitive salary and benefits package in line with company policy and industry standards.

If this role is of interest, please apply with an up to date CV.

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

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