Maintenance Manager

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA), one of Europe''s leading precision forging companies, is seeking a Maintenance Manager to join its Sheffield-based operation.

IFA sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge in the world with open-die radial, press, hammer and ring rolling capabilities alongside closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining and testing capabilities, the business provides a fully integrated metals service centre, supplying critical components into aerospace, defence, energy and other highly regulated industries. Due to continued investment and growth, IFA is looking to appoint a Maintenance Manager to lead the site''s engineering and maintenance function, ensuring world-class reliability, performance and continuous improvement across a complex manufacturing environment.

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.

The Role

As the Maintenance Manager, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing site, leading the engineering and maintenance function across a complex heavy manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, availability and performance of critical production assets, whilst driving continuous improvement across maintenance operations. Working closely with production, engineering and senior leadership teams, you will play a key role in developing and implementing maintenance strategies that maximise equipment uptime, improve operational efficiency and support the business''s ongoing growth and investment plans. You will lead and develop a skilled maintenance team, promote a proactive maintenance culture and ensure the highest standards of health, safety and engineering excellence are maintained across the site.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies, policies and procedures to maximise plant reliability and operational performance.
• Lead, motivate and develop a multi-disciplined maintenance team, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance activities across forging, machining and associated production equipment.
• Work closely with production and operational leaders to align maintenance priorities with business objectives.
• Drive a proactive maintenance culture focused on reliability, root cause analysis and equipment improvement.
• Manage engineering shutdowns, planned maintenance schedules and capital improvement projects.
• Monitor and analyse maintenance KPIs, implementing improvements to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
• Ensure effective management of maintenance systems, asset records and spare parts inventory.
• Support the specification, procurement and installation of new plant and equipment.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and company procedures.
• Lead investigations into equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Manage maintenance budgets and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across all engineering and maintenance activities.

Requirements

• HNC/HND or apprenticeship-trained in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Proven experience in a Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager role within heavy manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, with electrical knowledge advantageous.
• Experience managing preventative and predictive maintenance programmes.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations within industrial environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing high-performing engineering teams.
• Experience using CMMS and maintenance planning systems.
• Strong problem-solving, fault-finding and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What''s on Offer

• Salary of -55,000 - -60,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• 33 days annual leave.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Opportunity to join one of the UK''s most advanced forging and manufacturing businesses.