Maintenance/Engineering Manager

Established in 1906, Kentmere Limited, part of the Grenadier Packaging Group, has developed an enviable reputation as one of the leading producers of carton board packaging in the UK. We have a long history and heritage and are based in the picturesque village of Staveley, near Kendal.

Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced and proactive Maintenance Manager to lead our engineering and maintenance function within a busy packaging manufacturing environment.

Reporting to senior management, you will be responsible for the overall reliability, maintenance and continuous improvement of production machinery, facilities and site services. You will lead a small engineering team, ensuring that planned maintenance activities are completed effectively, breakdowns are minimised and engineering projects are delivered successfully.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering professional who combines strong technical knowledge with leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead the engineering and maintenance team, providing direction, support and development.

• Develop and oversee the planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme for all production machinery and site equipment.

• Ensure rapid and effective response to equipment breakdowns, minimising production downtime.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve machine reliability, efficiency and performance.

• Plan and manage maintenance shutdowns and engineering projects.

• Oversee the maintenance, repair and improvement of equipment including:

• Printing machines

• Die-cutters

• Gluing machines

• Compactors

• Forklift trucks

• General building facilities and infrastructure

• Manage engineering stores, spare parts inventory and maintenance budgets.

• Source, liaise with and manage external contractors and service providers.

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.

• Support and promote a strong safety culture throughout the business.

• Monitor maintenance KPIs and prepare reports on equipment performance, downtime and improvement activities.

• Assist with capital investment projects, including equipment installations, upgrades and commissioning.

• Work closely with production and management teams to support operational objectives and customer requirements.

Candidate Requirements:

• Relevant engineering qualification (HNC/HND, Degree, NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds or equivalent).
• Proven engineering or maintenance management experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge, with electrical knowledge advantageous.
• Experience leading and developing engineering teams.
• Excellent fault-finding, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience implementing and managing preventative maintenance systems.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and engineering compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience within packaging, printing, converting or similar manufacturing industries would be advantageous.

What We Offer:

• Permanent position.
• Opportunity to lead the engineering function within a well-established and growing packaging business.
• Significant input into equipment reliability, continuous improvement and investment projects.
• Supportive and friendly working environment.
• Pension scheme
• Company sick pay scheme after a qualifying period.

Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
Hours: Mon-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm

Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person