The Maintenance Fitter is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient and reliable operation of brewing, packaging and site utility equipment through effective preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance. The Maintenance Fitter plays a critical role in maximising equipment uptime, supporting production targets and maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and food hygiene.
The role requires a proactive approach to fault finding, continuous improvement and collaboration with production teams to ensure the brewery operates efficiently and safely.
Key Responsibilities
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance activities in accordance with the site's maintenance schedule.
- Complete inspections, servicing and equipment adjustments to minimise downtime.
- Ensure all maintenance work is recorded accurately within the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Recommend improvements to preventative maintenance programmes based on equipment performance.
Reactive Maintenance
- Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns across brewing, packaging and utilities.
- Diagnose mechanical faults using structured fault-finding techniques.
- Repair equipment safely and efficiently to minimise production downtime.
- Escalate recurring issues and recommend permanent engineering solutions.
Equipment Maintenance
Maintain and repair equipment including:
- Brewing vessels and associated pipework
- Pumps and valves
- Heat exchangers
- Conveyors
- Packaging machinery
- Filling and labelling equipment
- Compressors
- Steam and hot water systems
- Refrigeration support equipment (mechanical aspects)
- CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems
- Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Gearboxes, bearings, chains and drives
- Process pipework and fittings
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
- Participate in root cause analysis of equipment failures.
- Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Assist with equipment upgrades, modifications and capital projects.
- Suggest improvements to reduce maintenance costs and improve operational performance.
Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities
- Carry out all work in accordance with Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.
- Follow permit-to-work and isolation procedures.
- Complete risk assessments where required.
- Report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents and near misses.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards within workshops and production areas.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and environmental standards.
Quality Responsibilities
- Ensure maintenance work supports food safety and product quality requirements.
- Use approved food-grade lubricants and materials where applicable.
- Maintain hygienic engineering standards.
- Prevent contamination risks during maintenance activities.
- Work closely with the Quality team during maintenance interventions.
Projects & Installation
- Assist with installation and commissioning of new equipment.
- Support contractors during planned maintenance shutdowns.
- Participate in factory improvement and expansion projects.
- Verify equipment performance following repairs or installations.
- Train new employees when needed on machines
Documentation & Administration
- Complete maintenance records accurately and on time.
- Update equipment histories within the CMMS.
- Record spare parts usage.
- Assist in developing maintenance procedures and standard operating instructions.
- Participate in shift reports.
Any other relevant duties deemed necessary for the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified Mechanical Fitter, Maintenance Fitter or Mechanical Craftsperson (or equivalent recognised trade qualification).
- Experience in a manufacturing or process industry environment.
- Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills.
- Experience maintaining pumps, gearboxes, conveyors, bearings and process equipment.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and technical manuals.
- Good understanding of preventative maintenance systems.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including shift work and call-out where required.
Desirable
- Experience within brewing, food, beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Welding and fabrication skills.
- Forklift, MEWP or confined space training.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
