Maintenance Lead

Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a dynamic Maintenance Lead to join our team in Cambridge, UK. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in optimizing our production processes and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. As a key liaison between Quality Control (QC), Research, and Production, you will drive continuous improvement and foster seamless collaboration within the maintenance department.

Our ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong background in maintenance management and a dedication to safety and quality. If you possess exceptional technical expertise and leadership skills, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

• Safety and Compliance: Prioritize and ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others, maintaining safe operation of plant and equipment, and adhering to all company procedures. Ensure strict compliance with company QC systems, policies, SOPs, and WIs for yourself and your team.
• Maintenance Management: Plan, manage, and execute daily maintenance activities, coordinating maintenance engineers and contractors to meet production demands. Develop and manage the site's preventative maintenance program.
• Supplier and Contractor Relations: Liaise with suppliers to ensure smooth site and department operations. Engage and manage contractors to complete work efficiently and effectively.
• Process Improvement and Optimization: Identify and implement process optimizations and efficiencies within the plant. Ensure proper hazard identification and control measures, and implement process improvements as needed.
• Documentation and Administration: Manage documentation, maintenance records, and administrative tasks related to the maintenance department.
• Risk Management and Support: Support risk assessments and investigations of non-conformances, near misses, incidents, and accidents. Support audits and provide assistance to other departments as needed. Support the Director of Operations, the Research Lead, Logistics Lead, Plant Lead and QC Lead in problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Documentation Review and Collaboration: Review and verify RAMS, technical documentation, SOPs, WIs, and policies. Build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, visitors, and contractors.
• Additional Duties: Perform other related tasks as directed by the Site Director. Be available for occasional overtime as required.

• Minimum Qualifications: A degree in Engineering, preferably mechanical or equivalent industry experience. Previous experience working within the fine chemical or pharmaceutical manufacture, preferably to include maintenance for both preventives, planned and unplanned of reactor vessels, distillation equipment, motors etc. A good understanding of English, both written and spoken. An excellent working knowledge of Office 365, Word and Excel. Working knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety laws, regulations, and ACOP's, such as PUWER, LOLER, COSHH, DSEAR, The Work at Height Regulations etc. An understanding of ISO 9001:2015.
• Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree, preferably in Chemical Engineering or equivalent industry experience. Completion and proof of health and safety training courses, such as IOSH Managing Safely at work. Confined space entry and working at height trained. Use and understanding of CAD or similar software. Proven track record of maintaining a chemical manufacturing facility, to include maintenance, both preventives, planned and unplanned.

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays.
• Company pension plan with employer contributions.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellbeing support.
• Life assurance for peace of mind.
• Group income protection for financial security.
• Group critical illness coverage.
• Personal incentive bonus scheme, rewarding your contributions.