Senior Maintenance Engineering Manager (Hounslow)

Our production unit takes pride in offering top-tier luxury airline catering that is both elegant and sophisticated. Our team is dedicated to crafting a one-of-a-kind experience that is attractive to even the most discerning passengers. We focus on providing exceptional quality, first-class service, and an exquisite range of menu options that are sure to impress.

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Senior Maintenance Engineering Manager to oversee the maintenance operations at our airline catering facility at Heathrow Airport. The successful candidate will oversee the maintenance of equipment and facilities, lead a team of engineers and technicians, and support ongoing improvements to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality. The role requires someone who will be hands-on with repair and general maintenance, ensuring that all machinery and systems operate smoothly and efficiently.

On a day-to-day basis, you will be involved in scheduling and prioritising routine inspections, troubleshooting equipment failures, and coordinating urgent repairs to minimise downtime. You will oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, you will manage the procurement of parts and tools, liaise with external contractors and suppliers, and ensure that all maintenance activities are documented accurately. The role also involves supervising and mentoring maintenance staff, conducting performance reviews, and promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Meeting strict time deadlines, managing budgets, and maintaining excellent communication with operational teams and stakeholders are also key aspects of this position. Overall, your leadership will be vital in supporting the seamless operation of our catering services in a high-pressure environment.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage the preventive and day-to-day maintenance activities across the catering facility, ensuring all equipment and utilities operate efficiently and safely.
• Develop, implement, and oversee scheduled preventive maintenance programs to minimise unplanned downtime and maximise equipment availability.
• Lead, supervise and support maintenance team members by providing on-the-job training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate and prioritise maintenance tasks to ensure timely completion within agreed timeframes, balancing conflicting priorities effectively.
• Manage the procurement of spare parts, tools, and materials required for maintenance activities, maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Oversee and review documentation related to equipment performance, repairs, and maintenance records; ensure all paperwork is accurate, complete, and audit-ready.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as company policies.
• Monitor and analyse equipment performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiency gains.
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments, clients, and external partners to coordinate maintenance schedules, communicate downtime, and ensure minimal disruption to operations.
• Respond to urgent maintenance issues promptly, providing technical support and troubleshooting as needed across electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and utility systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety standards, quality controls, and operational procedures.
• Lead efforts to maintain up-to-date manuals, safety protocols, and technical documentation for all equipment and systems.
• Support audit preparations by ensuring all compliance documentation and maintenance records are comprehensive and current.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the maintenance team and across the organisation.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge, promoting a proactive approach to maintenance.
• Analyse maintenance data and trends to forecast future needs and budget requirements, supporting strategic planning.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, tools, and practices to improve maintenance processes and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the management team to develop and enforce maintenance policies, procedures, and standard operating protocols.
• Promote sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and waste within maintenance operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in maintenance leadership roles within the airline catering, hospitality, or related high-volume service environments.
• Proven track record of managing large maintenance teams and multiple facilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and utilities systems relevant to large-scale food production and hospitality facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in managing, motivating, and developing multidisciplinary maintenance teams.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on operational efficiency.
• Ability to prioritise tasks effectively and work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective liaison with internal departments, contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• In-depth knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations applicable to airline catering and hospitality facilities.
• Skilled in developing, managing, and optimising maintenance budgets to ensure cost-effective and compliant operations.
• Expertise in scheduling and implementing predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to minimise downtime and ensure continuous service.
• Ability to respond swiftly to urgent repairs and manage emergency situations effectively, minimising impact on operations.
• Ensuring all maintenance activities comply with legal, industry, and company standards, including audit readiness.
• Knowledge of environmentally sustainable maintenance practices, including energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives.
• Familiarity with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) as they relate to facility maintenance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), IOSH/NEBOSH Health & Safety Certifications, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement projects, cost reduction initiatives, and energy-saving programs.
• Familiarity with regulatory inspections and audit processes relevant to airline catering and hospitality facilities.

Additional Information

We believe that our employees are the driving force behind our success and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. As a member of our team, you will have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Enjoy perks by referring your friends through our Refer a Friend Scheme
• Save money and time with On-Site Free Meals
• Expand your skills and knowledge through our in-house training opportunities.
• A business where you can have a real impact, we’re not afraid of new ideas!
• Genuine career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally
• The opportunity to work with and represent one of the most innovative players in the luxury global gourmet entertainment market

DO&CO is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.