Autonomous Maintenance in Whitefield

We have a new opportunity for an Autonomous Maintenance ATM to join our Operations Team at Kara Foodservice, based in Manchester. We’re looking for a proactive and hands‑on individual to join our team. The Autonomous Maintenance ATM will be responsible for maximising the performance and reliability of key line assets within the manufacturing area through the development, implementation, and delivery of an optimised asset care programme. The Autonomous Maintenance ATM will also be accountable for ensuring adherence to the programme, monitoring its effectiveness, and supporting its continuous improvement across the manufacturing platform.

This is what you’ll actually do! As the Autonomous Maintenance ATM you will have a clear understanding of how the asset is operated and the key principles of the machine operations that are critical to optimising performance. You will carry out the performance of key cleaning, inspection, lubrication and machine set‑up to a defined standard, including changing parts and carrying out minor repairs to ensure efficient and safe machine operation. You will work on the operation of manufacturing assets when required to ensure site targets are met. The use of the CMMS system is a key part of this role, allowing you to record information regarding asset condition. You will have an understanding of the principles of safe isolation for key assets on which work will be carried out. It is also important that you have a high awareness of the principles of LOTO to the HSG253 standard and develop procedures for our equipment in accordance with that guidance.

You will have a good understanding of Lean manufacturing, and you will be confident in demonstrating skills in main fault finding, problem solving, utilising 5 Whys and Six Sigma methodologies in your daily environment, as well as maintenance methods such as half‑split technique. As the Autonomous Maintenance ATM you will have daily interactions with both the Engineering and Operations teams, therefore, your ability to communicate effectively is important. You will ensure you address and report any equipment issues to your ATM peer group to resolve together using the tiered meeting structure to communicate and track actions and changes. You will proactively support continuous improvement activities on site whilst also considering the environmental impact of activities, striving for zero waste across the sustainability KPI suite. You will ensure adherence to quality and GMP standards and drive continuous improvement in these metrics. It is important that you work flexibly with the business to manage changes in production plans and support effective changeovers within the allocated time.

Ideally this is you! Successful completion of an acknowledged/certified programme on basic machine maintenance skills. This would be endorsed by Engineering Training Body (e.g. EITB) or equivalent and should be certified at NVQ / SVQ level. Previous experience of machine operation in a fast paced or FMCG environment. Completion of an intermediate level food safety qualification and the ability to translate those learnings into a maintenance or reliability framework. Ability to carry out work in a methodical and set‑out manner without deviation where necessary – e.g. complex tasks – but also be able to work on own initiative. Demonstration of attention to detail. Ability to work and contribute in a team environment is essential. Keep and complete a log book of key tasks which will demonstrate professional development and competence in machine maintenance proficiency. Ability to demonstrate effective problem‑solving skills using suitable root cause analysis methodology. Be able to demonstrate a desire to improve ways of working and an understanding of LEAN Manufacturing and continuous improvement. Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organisational and analytical skills. Able to manage priorities and workflow.

What’s in it for you! Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival! Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families) Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform! Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent) Employee Recognition Awards – Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in‑house development course!) An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.

Our vision is to be the leading specialty bakery group in the UK, and we want the best people in place to achieve this. Our continued success is built entirely on the talented people who work here, so employee development is important to us because everyone is a valued member of the team, and we want every individual to have the skills and capabilities to achieve both your own personal goals and our business goals. We want good people to join our company, to help our company continue to go from strength to strength. If this sounds like you, please get in contact to learn more!