At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe and efficient operation of plant assets in a high-hazard environment.
- Company: Join Bakelite, a leader in sustainable chemistry with over 100 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that builds a stronger, safer, better world through innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance, strong mechanical skills, and basic electrical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Bakelite, you’ll help us create a better tomorrow with sustainable and innovative chemistry today. We’re Everywhere. Everywhere you look, you’ll find products enabled by Bakelite, from stronger homes to safer automobiles and everywhere in between. With more than 100 years of history and strong customer relationships, we boldly engineer sustainable products to tackle our world’s most challenging demands.
Position Overview
The Multiskilled Maintenance Technician (Mechanical Bias) is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant assets within a high‑hazard chemical manufacturing environment. The role provides mechanical expertise while supporting electrical, instrumentation, and control tasks within competency limits. The technician performs preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshoots equipment failures, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to maximise plant uptime and compliance with regulatory requirements (COMAH, PUWER, LOLER, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, etc.).
Job Responsibilities
- Maintenance & Repair
- Perform planned preventive maintenance (PPM) on mechanical equipment, including pumps, vessels, pipework, gearboxes, compressors, boilers, rotating equipment, and mechanical seals.
- Diagnose and repair mechanical faults safely and efficiently, minimising downtime.
- Support electrical and instrumentation maintenance tasks within competency (e.g., basic fault finding, isolations under supervision, low‑complexity repairs).
- Ensure all work is completed in compliance with site safety procedures, permit‑to‑work systems, and relevant UK legislation.
- Respond promptly to breakdowns and process interruptions.
- Assist operations teams with the safe start‑up, shutdown, testing, and commissioning of plant equipment.
- Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) for repetitive equipment failures.
- Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure maintenance activities comply with COMAH safety requirements.
- Complete accurate maintenance records in the site’s CMMS (SAP).
- Support statutory inspections and audits under PSSR, LOLER, DSEAR, ATEX, and insurance requirements.
- Identify and support reliability improvements for plant equipment.
- Participate in improvement projects, shutdowns/turnarounds, and equipment upgrades.
- Contribute to the development of maintenance procedures, SOPs, and safe systems of work.
- Teamwork & Communication
- Work collaboratively with operations, engineering, contractors, and technical teams.
- Provide technical mentoring to apprentices and less experienced technicians.
- Attend toolbox talks, shift handovers, and team meetings as required.
Local specific requirements for the role
- Participation in 7-day shift pattern and on‑call rota.
- Competent use of site permit systems: PTW, confined space, hot work, process & electrical isolations, first breaks.
- Ability to wear all required PPE including respiratory protection (subject to face‑fit).
- Knowledge of site utilities (steam, condensate, cooling water, compressed air, etc.).
- Ability to work on a COMAH upper‑tier chemical plant with hazardous substances, pressurised systems, and high‑risk energy sources.
- Experience working with process equipment such as batch reactors, filtration & transfer systems, boilers, bio‑plant or effluent treatment systems (if applicable).
- Mechanical fitting, alignment, and assembly skills.
- Pump strip‑down and rebuild (centrifugal, positive displacement).
- Pipework installation and repair (flanged, threaded, welded—depending on qualifications).
- Mechanical seal replacement and troubleshooting.
- Rotating equipment maintenance.
- Basic machining or workshop skills (drilling, grinding, tapping).
- Pressure systems awareness.
Electrical & Instrumentation Support (basic level)
- Ability to read electrical drawings and P&IDs.
- Basic fault finding on motors, sensors, switches, and control panels.
- Understanding of isolations and lockout‑tagout (LOTO).
- Competence in instrumentation basics (pressure, flow, temperature transmitters) desirable.
Safety & Compliance
- Strong understanding of process safety (COMAH, DSEAR).
- Knowledge of LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, and Permit‑to‑Work systems.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment skills.
Other Competencies
- Good problem‑solving and diagnostic skills.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Effective communication skills for cross‑functional working.
Education & Experience
- Demonstrable experience as a maintenance technician in a chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, or related heavy industry environment.
- Strong mechanical skill base with some electrical/instrumentation exposure.
- Experience with hazardous area equipment or regulated environments.
- HNC/HND or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline.
- COMPEX (EX01‑04) competence – advantageous.
- MEWP, forklift, scaffold awareness, or rigging qualifications.
- Experience with permit writing and isolations.
- Training or mentoring experience.
Maintenance Technician (Mechanical Bias) in Barry employer: Bakelite GmbH
At Bakelite, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Barry, UK, where innovation meets sustainability. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the chemical manufacturing sector. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values safety, compliance, and continuous improvement, all while contributing to a better tomorrow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Technician (Mechanical Bias) in Barry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Bakelite or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about the company. Familiarise yourself with Bakelite's products and values, so you can show how you fit into their mission of creating a better tomorrow.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out directly. Express your interest in working with them and highlight your skills as a Maintenance Technician. It shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role. We keep track of applications better this way, and it shows you're serious about joining the team at Bakelite. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Technician (Mechanical Bias) in Barry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your mechanical expertise and any relevant experience in your application. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Maintenance Technician, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific position. Mention your experience with preventative maintenance and troubleshooting, as these are key aspects of the job we’re looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bakelite GmbH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical skills and knowledge of maintenance practices. Be ready to discuss specific equipment you've worked on, like pumps or boilers, and any troubleshooting you've done. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have hands-on experience.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with safety regulations relevant to the role, such as COMAH and PUWER. Be prepared to talk about how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you approach safety in a high-hazard environment. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples where you've collaborated with others, whether it's operations teams or apprentices. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team success in previous positions. This will show that you can work well with others.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s maintenance processes or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers.
