Job Description

Kepak is a leading food company with 14 manufacturing sites and over 4,500 employees across Ireland and the UK, with a turnover of €1.75 billion. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork—we are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat-based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Primary & Facilities Maintenance Manager to join our team in Cork.

The Maintenance Manager is fully responsible for the safe, complaint, and effective delivery of all engineering operations in the primary unit of the plant, facilities, and site services

Leading a skilled engineering team and supported by a dedicated Facilities & Services Engineer, the Maintenance Manager collaborates closely with Operations, Projects, Environmental, and Quality teams to keep the production supply chain running at its best. With full ownership of engineering KPIs, budgets, and performance plans, this role is central to creating a resilient, efficient, and future‑ready manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Engineering Leadership

• Own and deliver the site maintenance strategy aligned with production and compliance requirements
• Lead maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution

Production Engineering Support

• Lead engineers dedicated to production lines and operational areas
• Ensure rapid, effective engineering response to breakdowns and quality risks

Facilities & Services

• Ensure utilities reliability: refrigeration, steam, water, compressed air, HVAC,
• Responsible for the reliability and performance of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Manage energy performance, sustainability initiatives, and environmental compliance

Food Safety, Compliance & Health and Safety

• Ensure engineering and facilities activities support BRCGS / FSSC 22000 / HACCP standards

Continuous Improvement & Reliability

• Drive CI initiatives using Lean tools and RCA methodologies

People Leadership & Capability

• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering and facilities teams

Budget & Cost Control

• Own and manage the maintenance and facilities budget

Systems, Reporting & Governance

• Own & optimise the CMMS system and track and report maintenance, reliability, and energy KPIs

Requirements

• Engineering qualification Degree level or time-served apprenticeship
• Proven maintenance experience in food or FMCG manufacturing with strong people management experience
• Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and audit standards
• Experience managing facilities, utilities, and contractors
• Structured problem-solving and strong communication skills

Desirable:

• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, CE marking of machinery.

Benefits

• Company Pension
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Subsidized Canteen

• Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Refer a Friend Scheme - Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
• Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees

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