Autonomous Maintenance Implementation Lead

Kettle Produce is one of the major suppliers of fresh and pre-packed vegetables in the UK. We are a dynamic and customer focused business and this new opportunity will play a pivotal role in the ongoing success of our business.

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing professional with a proven track record of implementing Autonomous Maintenance programmes and developing front-line operational capability. The successful candidate will be a pragmatic, hands-on coach who is equally comfortable training operators on the shop floor as they are presenting programme progress to senior leadership. They will bring energy, credibility, and a passion for developing a culture where operators take ownership of equipment performance and reliability.

Purpose of the Role

To lead the deployment and implementation of the site's Autonomous Maintenance (AM) programme, developing our machine operators capability to take ownership of routine equipment care, inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and basic condition monitoring activities.

The role holder will work closely with Production, Engineering, and Performance Improvement teams to embed Autonomous Maintenance principles, improve equipment reliability, increase operator engagement, and support the transition towards a world-class manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Deployment

• Develop and execute the Autonomous Maintenance rollout plan across designated production areas.
• Establish AM standards, routines, documentation, and visual management systems.
• Implement TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) methodologies and ensure alignment with site operational excellence objectives.
• Define AM maturity stages and drive progression through each implementation phase.

Operator Training & Capability Building

• Deliver classroom and on-the-job training to machine operators and team managers
• Develop training materials, work instructions, One Point Lessons (OPLs), and competency assessments.
• Coach operators in:
• Basic equipment care
• Cleaning and inspection techniques
• Lubrication standards
• Defect identification
• Asset ownership principles
• Root cause problem solving
• Establish operator competency matrices and certification processes.

Equipment Ownership & Standards

• Create and implement machine centreline conditions and basic care standards.
• Develop AM check sheets and inspection routines.
• Support creation of tagging systems for abnormality identification and management.
• Ensure standards are practical, sustainable, and embedded within daily operations.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify losses and improvement opportunities through operator engagement and shop-floor observation.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops to eliminate chronic equipment issues.
• Support OEE improvement initiatives through increased asset reliability and operator ownership.
• Work alongside Engineering teams to transition suitable maintenance tasks to production teams.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong working relationships with Production, Engineering, Performance Improvement, Quality, and Site Leadership teams.
• Act as the subject matter expert for Autonomous Maintenance implementation.
• Provide regular programme updates, progress reports, and recommendations to senior management.
• Drive cultural change towards proactive equipment ownership.

Performance Measurement

Monitor and report progress against key metrics including:

• Autonomous Maintenance maturity levels
• Operator competency completion rates
• OEE improvements
• Unplanned downtime reduction
• Defect identification and closure rates
• Equipment cleaning and inspection compliance
• Operator engagement measures

Required Experience

Essential

• Proven experience implementing Autonomous Maintenance and/or TPM programmes within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience training and coaching frontline operators.
• Demonstrable success in driving cultural and behavioural change.
• Experience working closely with Production and Engineering functions.
• Knowledge of equipment reliability and preventive maintenance techniques.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Formal TPM certification or equivalent.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification.
• Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, packaging, process manufacturing, or high-volume production environments.
• Experience deploying visual management and operational excellence systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent coaching and facilitation skills
• Strong communication and influencing ability
• Change management expertise
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Training development and delivery
• Data-driven decision making
• Highly visible and hands-on leadership style
• Ability to challenge existing practices constructively
• Strong organisational and planning skills

Salary - £60,000 (open to negotiation)

Contract Duration

6–12 Months Fixed-Term Contract (dependent on programme scope and site requirements)

Working Hours

Monday to Friday 08.00 – 17.00 with 60 minutes unpaid break.

Pay: £60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person